Fox Point Hurricane Barrier facts for kids
The Fox Point Hurricane Barrier is a 3,000 foot long barrier across the Providence River in Providence, Rhode Island. It was built between 1960 and 1966. It protects the low-lying downtown area of the city from damaging storm surges and flooding due to hurricanes or other storms.
Before the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier was built, storm surges caused by hurricanes killed people and caused damage. The 1938 New England hurricane caused $120 million (1938 USD) of damage in Providence and nearby areas. Almost sixteen years later, Hurricane Carol caused an eight-foot-high storm surge. Damage was $41 million.
The barrier cost $14 million to build.
Times the barrier was used
In 1985, the barrier was closed to protect the city from the storm surge of Hurricane Gloria.
In 1991, it was closed to protect the city from four feet of water from Hurricane Bob.
On October 28-29, 2012, the barrier was closed because of Hurricane Sandy. The storm's tidal surge was 9.5 feet high.
Images for kids
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The tainter gates of the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier Gates. The Providence River Bridge is visible in the immediate background.
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This 1990 view over Providence shows the hurricane barrier as it appeared before the construction of the adjacent Providence River Bridge
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View inside the Fox Point pumping station
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