Gouin bridge, bridge in Canada

The Gouin bridge is a road bridge in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu that crosses the Richelieu River and the Chambly Canal, linking rue Saint-Jacques on the left bank to 5e Avenue on the right bank. It carries one lane in each direction and has a sidewalk on each side. Its western end, above the Chambly Canal, is a single-span bascule bridge.

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.