a rock shell, the dikes extend to where the land is 25 feet above sea level - high enough to contain a storm surge. They range between 10 and 15 feet high to provide protection from tidal waves. Penetration in the dike exists only at the points of the vehicular gates (see below) and at Benefit Street which may be closed with sandbags in the case of an emergency. Because this component of the structure impedes on the land on either side of the river, the project required acquisition of land lots from outside interests.

From the east abutment, an earth-cored rip rapped 800 foot dike extends in a northeast direction toward the toe of a hill rising to a maximum elevation of 200 feet above mean sea level. At the abutment, on lot #16, plot #18, the dike is 17 feet above ground level and has a base width of about 80 feet. The dike severs South Main Street and continues along lot #40, tapering to a height of 11 feet and a base of 60 feet. A concrete land wall continues to the intersection of Tockwotton and Traverse Streets, crossing lot #94 and damaging lots #135, #152, #236, and #238.

The 1200-foot west dike begins on the property of the electric company (lots #145, #96, and #185) with an 80-foot base and 15 to 17-foot height. The dike continues in a westerly direction for 400 feet and then curves south toward Allens Avenue, severing Commercial Street and rounding a 136,000 Bbl fuel oil storage tank. The dike cuts the southeast corners of lots #267 and #11, runs parallel for 160 feet along Allens Avenue, and then turns west 90 degrees to span the right-of-way flood gates. This cuts 35 feet off of the northwest corner of lot #243. As the west side of Allens Avenue, the dike severs the southern portion of lot #191.

Due to plans for relocating Interstate 195, the dikes may be moved south, but to date, have not been altered.

Vehicular Gates

Located where Allens Avenue and South Main Street intersect with the dikes, two vehicular gates provide a passageway. During a flood these steel swing gates may be closed and sand bags are used to seal them completely. The structural steel gates are supported by reinforced concrete abutments. The concrete used is Type V, as it is throughout the Barrier's structure. The supports are on bearing piles driven virtually in glacial till or to bedrock. The two-leaf swing gates are structural steel members faced with steel plate. The two leaves swing on