Oxford Plastics are excited to announce that the LowPro 23/05 has been approved by the New York Department of Transportation to comply with the HS20-44 standards after a successful trial period.

Put simply, HS20-44 is a standard for heavy-duty highway traffic loads set by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). It specifies the minimum design criteria for bridges, culverts, and other structures that are used by vehicles with a weight of up to 44 tons, traveling at a speed of up to 50 miles per hour.

Compliance with HS20-44 standards ensures that the structures can withstand the intended loads and remain safe for use by the public and is mandatory for all public highway bridges in the United States.

The LowPro 23/05 has been specifically designed and developed to comply with the HS20-44 compliance established by AASHTO. It’s capabilities include the capacity to handle heavy duty traffic loads of up to 97,000lbs. Making it a perfect match for use in high traffic areas, and on construction sites.

The LowPro 23/05 has been rigorously tested and has undergone field testing over multiple years to ensure that it meets the stringent requirements laid out in the HS20-44 standard. And, importantly, it has been approved by the Department for Transportation in New York, meaning you have peace-of-mind that it meets the regulatory requirements needed for use on city streets and construction sites.  

Our Business Development Director Peter Creighton explained just how difficult it is to get a product approved by the Department for Transportation, and what it means for the business saying. “After many years of testing, refinement and raising awareness, we’re proud to finally have the Oxford LowPro road plates approved by the New York Department of Transportation. The LowPro range being an engineered alternative to steel plates, not only solving all issues found with traditional road plates, but reducing fines, saving time and reducing carbon emissions.”

The LowPro 23/05 offers a host of benefits in addition to compliance and approval from the New York Department for Transportation. These benefits include:

• Lightweight: Each section of the LowPro 23/05 weighs just 145lb, making it far lighter than traditional steel plates. This means that it's much easier and safer to manoeuver and install, requiring only two workers, and removing the need for expensive heavy lifting equipment.
• Noise dampening: The patented rubber edges on the LowPro 23/05 provide noise dampening which is particularly important in cities and built up areas where noise pollution is a major concern and can cause fines. The rubber edges also give vehicles a smoother ride as they drive over the plates.
• Eco friendly: The LowPro 23/05 eliminates the need for cold patching as it has ramped edges that can be anchored in place. Cold patching is known to leach oil and cause pollution.

The LowPro 23/05 is a compelling choice for construction and utility professionals looking for a safer, more efficient and sustainable solution for covering open excavations and trenches.

Here at Oxford Plastics we have a wide range of products that put safety and compliance first, with over 35 years of experience. Discover the full LowPro range or contact our helpful team today.