<p>Metallic zinc coatings are well established as cost-effective corrosion protection for steel bridges. The zinc coating acts first as barrier protection, isolating the base steel from corrosive elements, and secondly by cathodic protection, acting as a sacrificial anode to protect the steel should the coating be compromised. Bridge operators can be confronted by disproportional high maintenance costs for bridges in use as removal of (in)organic paint systems with hazardous and toxic compounds require expensive waste disposal and environmental protection measures. Metallic zinc coatings are recognized as environmentally friendly, sustainable, and low maintenance, providing the lowest life cycle cost corrosion protection. Various case studies with bridges protected with metallic zinc coatings in and outside Europe are illustrated.</p>