Point of Interest 4 of the Rawdon Lake Aquatic Tour
An infrastructure project to connect the region
The 3rd Avenue bridgewas built in 1925 by the Municipality of Rawdon, under Mayor Louis-Euclide Dugas. Its construction took place during a period marked by a commitment to improving transportation routes and supporting regional development (1).
Before the current bridge: a more modest crossing
For many years, the crossing between the two banks was provided by a small wooden bridge spanning the Rouge River, between the two drops of Mason Falls. In the early 20th century, this structure was known as the Neveu bridge.
Construction of the bridge over the dam
Ten years after the dam was built in 1915 (2), the decision was made in 1925 to construct a more solid bridge over it. This new link was intended to facilitate more efficient traffic flow between 3rd Avenue and chemin de Saint-Alphonse, while meeting the growing transportation needs of the area.
A catalyst for development in the eastern sector
The construction of the bridge in 1925 also helped to develop the area east of the new artificial lake. This sector was of particular interest at the time, especially in light of the development projects being planned by Rawdon Heights Realties Limited. (2)
Changes and work over time
A note on this archival photograph indicates that the bridge was widened in 1952. Also visible in the background is the home of Misaël Neveu, a testament to the waterfront landscape of the time.
Recent work to preserve the structure
Nearly a century later, in 2021, major work was carried out to replace the bridge deck and repair certain foundation elements of the structure. This work was done under the supervision of the ministère des Transports du Québec (Quebec Ministry of Transportation), which is now responsible for this public road, part of the province’s Route 337. The dam remains the property of the Municipality of Rawdon.
A living historical landmark
Today, the dam and the bridge on 3rd Avenue are prominent features of the Rawdon landscape. They retain significant heritage value by serving as reminders of key milestones in the local development, while continuing to play an essential role in the community’s daily life.
Sources
- GÉRARD, Brady, Rawdon mon village, (Rawdon, my village), Village of Rawdon, 1995, pp. 62–63 (regarding the dam bridge in 1925).
- Société d’histoire de Rawdon. Histoire du Rawdon Golf Resort (1926-2025)(1926-2025). Rawdon, May 2026, section 7, p. e-120. Website accessed May 4, 2026. URL: https://www.histoirederawdon.ca/histoire-du-rawdon-golf-resort-club-de-golf-de-rawdon/