Chateauguay River Recreation Bridge

Chateauguay is an off-island bedroom suburb of Montreal. It’s 75,000 or so inhabitants have an exceptional asset in the form of the Chateauguay River which meanders several miles through town. This story is about improving access to the river.

The town has a long-term strategy to tie together the various parks that line the river now and improve access to them, especially for those with less than 4 wheels under them. An obvious issue was the lack of any dedicated pedestrian lanes crossing the river, how to connect the riverside park on one side to the city center? Enter the plan for a pedestrian and cycling bridge to cross the 400-foot-wide river. Being a relatively small town tow big factors stood out, initial cost and long-term cost. With plans for several more bridges like this in the future cost was critical, better to serve more people with modest structures than just one area with a glamor project. Steel was the standout choice for its low cost to strength ratio and therefore the decision was made to mimic the nearby century old truss style train bridge. To ensure long maintenance-free service the next choice was easy, Hot-Dip Galvanizing. The proven combo of zinc over steel in bridge construction took risk off the table and the fact that Hot-Dip was less expensive even in initial cost than the lower performing epoxy paint alternative was a pleasant surprise for the specifier. Computer product control at the galvanizer ensured that all the pieces of the “Mechano” like components were all accounted for and bundled as required for onsite assembly and erection. Automated processing and post-kettle vibration greatly minimizes quality issues, especially zinc interference in bolt holes and mounting surface. The right pieces delivered at the right time in the right bundle in the right condition streamlined the onsite work, saving time and dollars! Now in service this bridge doesn’t wow you at first glance but the story as to how economically and quickly it was constructed and how long it will last makes for impressive economic beauty!