Abstract: A bridge plate assembly is formed of dual phase steel for interconnecting two rail cars and supporting the weight of a vehicle moving between the rail cars. The bridge plate assembly includes a bridge plate with a substantially continuous top surface having a pair of troughs. The bottom surface of the bridge plate assembly has a box formation provided by a bottom panel spanning an area between the pair of troughs.

Abstract: A bridge plate for interconnecting two railcars and supporting the weight of a vehicle moving between the railcars. The bridge plate includes a substantially continuous top surface and is formed as a composite of a plurality of materials. The bridge plate includes a plurality of longitudinal sections extending from a bottom surface of the bridge plate, the sections formed by combining glass fibers and resin that enclose a foam plastic core, resulting in a lighter weight bridge plate than industry standard bridge plates. A traction surface can be integrally formed on the top surface. The bridge plate can include at least one handle. The assembly can also include a pin assembly for rotatingly engaging the bridge plate assembly to a railcar. The pin assembly can include a handle portion accessible from a top surface and/or the bottom surface of the bridge plate.