Gouin bridge, bridge in Canada
The Gouin bridge is a steel crossing in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu that spans 485.7 meters over the Richelieu River and Chambly Canal. It features traffic lanes, bike paths, and walking areas, with a clearance of about 12 meters (39 feet) to allow boats to pass underneath.
The original wooden crossing was destroyed by flooding, followed by a concrete bridge built in 1915 that served for about a century. After decades of deterioration from harsh winters and road salt, it was replaced by the current steel structure, which opened in 2019.
The bridge is named after Lomer Gouin, a former premier of Quebec whose legacy remains connected to the region's development. The crossing links two parts of the community and functions as a daily passage for residents moving through their city.
The bridge is well-accessible with marked paths for pedestrians and cyclists at both ends. Several viewing points are located along the structure where you can stop and enjoy views of the river and canal.
The bridge was built using hot-dip galvanized steel specifically to withstand harsh Canadian weather and road salt. Testing of older galvanized structures nearby showed that after 56 years, the zinc coating remained in excellent condition and met all modern standards.
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