As part of its plan to expand access to the many river valleys and ravines that dissect the eastern suburbs of Quebec City, two new elevated steel walkways were inaugurated in June of 2020. They are the first of many walkways that will allow local residents to enjoy deep forests in the middle of suburban sprawl.

These two stretches measure almost a mile in length and include suspension bridges to allow safe and dry crossings. Quebec City is famous (or infamous) for its winter weather, combining the cold of the far north and the salty humidity from the giant Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Local experience has proven substandard protection of exposed steel leads to premature failure every time.

The obvious choice here was hot-dip galvanizing – amazing durability, surprisingly low cost, fully recyclable and natural zinc make it ideal for just such a project. The walkways required 70 tons of hot-dip galvanized steel, and although these walkways and bridges won’t break any records, they are a showcase for the utility of galvanized products for such applications. Every element you see is galvanized, the steel structure, decking, suspension and stabilizing cables, shackles and other cable hardware, handrails, ground support plates, all the fastening hardware and even the screw in ground anchors.

From structural steel to all the OEM elements this project combines different hot-dip galvanizing markets into a comprehensive solution. These galvanized steel walkways were easily and quickly installed with minimal impact on the local environment. Even more importantly, the maintenance-free longevity and natural qualities of hot-dip applied pure zinc will please all stakeholders; from the municipality owners to the citizen users and even the waters, plants and animals beneath.