Temporary trackway mats – everything you need to know

Temporary trackway mats can be a confusing subject for many, especially those not in the construction industry. Despite the simplicity of the product, temporary roadway mats have a multitude of uses and purposes. Here’s an easy-to-read comprehensive breakdown of all things trackway to help clear up any misconceptions.

Temporary trackway mats terminology

Temporary trackway mats are often referred to by several different names (all meaning the same thing!) here are some: 

• Temporary driveway mats 
• Equipment mats 
• Trackway 
• Trackway panels
• HDPE ground protection
•  Temporary haul road
• Ground protection mats 
• Temporary parking mats 
• Temporary roadway
• Roadway
• Grass protection mats
• pedestrian walkways
• Aluminium trackway
• TuffTrak (This is a popular trackway brand!)

What are temporary roadway mats used for?

Generally, they create a protective barrier on the ground against vehicles, machinery and footfall, shielding both the ground from damage and also preventing pedestrian falls and vehicle accidents, but in context, temporary roadway mats can be used for the following:

• To protect grass verges where road access is required
• They provide an even surface where there is rocky terrain i.e. construction sites
• They provide a non-slip surface where there is mud and water
• They create clear walkways for people as well as roadways for vechicles
• They provide a lightweight safe barrier on protected grounds in addition to sites of historical importance
• Placing trackway over a large surface area creates standing or parking areas
• They provide safety as well as balance for plant equipment to safely pass over or park on to complete a task in addition to repairs

The primary materials used to make temporary roadway mats

Aside from ‘timber bog mats’, which we do not supply, a temporary roadway is generally made from the following:

• Aluminium
• HDPE plastic (see our Ground Protection Mats and TuffTrak Mats)

The most common colours of trackway panels

Temporary trackway panels can be customised and spray-painted for various purposes, however, these are the industry-standard colours:

• Black
• Metallic (Aluminium)

Popular industries that use temporary roadway mats

Although extremely versatile and can be used in pretty much any industry. These are the most popular industries we work with:

• Construction industry
• Local councils
• Utility companies
• Oil and gas works
• Film and TV
• Solar as well as wind farms
• Nuclear and power
• Outdoor events, often festivals
• Sports clubs and stadiums

Main selling points

There are so many positive aspects and benefits to the usage of trackway, here are the main ones:

• All-round protection
• Easy to install and lightweight
• Made from recyclable material
• Longevity and lifespan  
• Durable and rust-proof
• Recyclable and also reasonably sustainable
• Hire as well as buy option
• Easy to clean
• Can be stored flat

General infomation about trackway

Other facts and data that can be useful to learn about trackway include:

• The most common size aluminium trackway panels come in is 2.4m x 1.1m, however, ours provide extra width at 2.4m long x 3m wide
• Equipment mats are used indoors, usually in traditional warehouses, where grounds are unsuitable or unsafe
• Trackway comes in light, medium and heavy-duty, thus, protecting most surface areas
• In addition to paint,ing you can also add markings or decals to mats to create distinctive sections on your site
• You can receive several fines, punishments and even convictions for not using ground protection in circumstances where it is necessary.
• Hire companies like us, complete a site survey and safety assessment before fitting trackway. We also deliver, install, dismantle and collect our trackway too. For long hire durations, we even return to the site to ensure the setup is running smoothly.
• Despite their construction-like appearance, private functions such as outdoor weddings regularly hire temporary roadway mats as a flooring base, then add a more aesthetic layer on top, such as carpet or rugs.

If there’s anything else you’d like to know about our trackway, get in touch with our friendly hire desk team. We can help!