Construction on the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier, located 750 feet upstream from Fox Point, where the Providence River flows into the Narragansett Bay, began in 1960 and was completed in 1966. The area, historically significant for its maritime activity, provides access to the Atlantic Ocean. The design of the barrier is strictly functionalist and contains no noteworthy architectural features. As mandated by the federal government, all materials were new and unused. The structure is accessible through the adjacent property on the west bank of the river, and since construction has been occupied by an electric company. Additionally, all materials and end products were manufactured in the United States.

The Fox Point Hurricane Barrier serves two central functions - (1) to retard high tides from potential storm surges in Narragansett Bay and (2) to maintain river flow such that water levels do not get too high behind the barrier. Although it is a fairly simply concept, the 3,000-foot long structure consists of several complex components.



FOX POINT HURRICANE BARRIER: FACTS AND FIGURES

DID YOU KNOW THAT...
  • The Hurricane Barrier took 5 years to build, at a cost of $16,000,000. (1960 - 1966) (Cost at 1960's dollar.)

  • The Hurricane Barrier was the first structure of its type in the United States to be approved for construction.

  • The Hurricane Barrier was designed by local Engineering Firms.

  • The Hurricane Barrier's prime contractor was a local firm:

  • The Hurricane Barrier has five 4500 H.P. pumps with instantaneous starting power. These pumps are among the largest. in .the world -each pump is 54.7 feet high and 20 feet in diameter.

  • The five pumps have a capacity of 3,150,000 gallons per minute.

  • The Hurricane Barrier recieves power from the Narraganset Electric Company through underground cables.

  • The Hurricane Barrier provides protection during any weather conditions which would cause flooding in the Downtown area.

  • The Hurricane Barrier protects several hundred million dollars of Downtown property in a 280 acre area.

  • The Hurricane Barrier, when its river and road gates are closed form a half mile 25 foot high harrier from* Allens Avenue to India Point Park.

  • The Hurricane Barrier can protect against storms that produce water 20 feet ahove sea level.

  • If the Hurricane Barrier was in place during the 1938 and 1954 hurricanes. it would have saved an estimated $80,000.000 in damages. (Cost estimated at 1960's dollar.) Imagine what the damages would amount to in 1980's dollar.

  • The city of Providence provides a staff from the Deparrment of Public Works - Engineering Division for the operation of the barrier; secondary maintenance is also provided by D.P.W. crews. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England Branch, provides assistance throughout the. year, as well as mandatory semi-annual inspections

  • The Barrier proved its' worth in September, 1985 when hurricane 'Gloria' struck this area. Without the barrier in place, downtown Providence would have been under at least two feet of water.

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    For a detalied history of the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier prepared by Brown University students William Schachterle, Jacqui Hogans, and Jennifer Good, please click here.

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