6 things to look for in an access mat provider

Temporary access roads are the arteries of large-scale infrastructure projects, enabling operators to transport materials, equipment and people to and from the heart of a construction site. Access matting is often key to creating safe, efficient temporary site access when constructing pipelines, powerlines, wind farms and solar farms.

Access mats, including wood mats for heavy equipment, provide safe passage across soft, uneven or unstable terrain, increasing productivity. Timber mats reduce wear and tear on vehicles and protect sensitive soils and ecosystems.

Developing a site access plan and installing temporary access roads on your own is a significant, complex undertaking. If your company lacks experience in these areas, you may be better off handing one or both of the jobs to a trustworthy partner. When site access solutions are poorly planned or executed, the entire construction project suffers.

Some access matting companies only provide mats. Others offer turnkey services that include creating the access plan, forecasting mat needs, clearing the land, installing access roads and equipment platforms, removing the mats once the project is complete and performing site restoration.

An ideal access partner can save you time and money and help you avoid project delays. When researching access matting companies, look for one that offers the following.

Meticulous advance planning

Every site and project is different. The right access solution depends on a variety of factors including the soil and terrain, the weight and type of equipment traversing temporary access roads and the presence of sensitive soils and ecosystems. A strong access partner will collaborate with you as early as possible in the planning process—potentially a year or more ahead of the project—to create the optimal access plan for your site, project and budget.

The vendor will leverage site visits/walk-downs, aerial photos and videos, topographic maps, soil reports and other data to understand the terrain and soil. Based on this data and the KMZ files you provide showing the right of way, they will determine the most efficient access routes and the best access mats for different areas.

Accurate forecasting

The lead time for producing and shipping timber mats and other heavy equipment mats can be long. Ongoing supply chain issues and the infrastructure construction boom in the U.S. are extending those lead times. Waiting until the last minute to plan site access could translate into project delays due to lack of mat availability.

Accurately predicting your temporary access mat needs can help you create a more realistic budget and potentially save you money. Access providers with decades of experience can analyze proprietary data from hundreds of past projects to better forecast the number and types of mats needed for your project.

A large inventory

The bigger the access partner’s inventory, the greater the chances you’ll have the access mats you need when you need them.

If more mats are required as a project progresses due to severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances, a vendor with a sizable inventory is more likely to provide them in a timely manner.

Outstanding logistical planning

Some access matting providers employ logistical planning to help ensure mat availability and reduce your freight costs. They leverage up-to-date information on project completions around the country and store mats removed from those projects as close as possible to your site when your project initiation time is near.

Cost-saving strategies

When designing temporary access roads, a trusted partner will look out for your interests and incorporate strategies that curb your total spend. They may choose used mats, which cost significantly less than new mats, where feasible. For example, when mats must be stacked two to five mats deep to cross certain areas, leveraging used mats at the bottom of the stack is safe and cost-effective. Renting 70% new mats and 30% used mats can make a significant dent in mat costs.

Lighter, cheaper mats can be used in certain situations, such as when lightweight trucks need to travel over flat farmland. “Leapfrogging” mats around a site as the project progresses reduces the number of mats needed. An experienced provider can do this while limiting damage to the mats.

Expertise in multiple aspects of temporary site access

Expert site access providers have the knowledge and experience to advise on required permits, Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan compliance, compliance with other environmental regulations and other aspects of creating temporary site access. By acquiring necessary permits and remaining compliant with regulations, you can avoid hefty fines and project interruptions.

If you outsource access implementation, an experienced provider will take steps to reduce the environmental impact of the solutions. For example, they may choose timber mats where necessary, since these mats contour to the ground and limit ground pressure, and use a variety of erosion control measures to reduce restoration work and the costs associated with it.

Site access is critical from project start to project completion. A good access plan developed in close collaboration with the right access partner can help you increase productivity, mitigate safety risks and optimize your budget.

Browse our selection of mats or reach out for help with access planning for your next project.