Providence Announces Lane Closures for Hurricane Barrier Repair

Construction crews working on the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier gates on Allens Avenue.

News Summary

Providence officials will implement partial lane closures on Allens Avenue starting Monday for a $3 million project to repair the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier gates. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction until June 13, with a temporary detour for northbound and southbound traffic from May 27 to June 6. The project includes reinstallation of refurbished gate structures and upgrades to enhance sewer gate functionality, thus ensuring better protection against flooding in the area.

Providence officials have announced partial lane closures on Allens Avenue as part of a significant $3 million project to repair the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier gates. Starting Monday, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction near the gates on Allens Avenue and will remain in this configuration from Mondays through Fridays until June 13.

During the repair period, a temporary detour will be implemented for both northbound and southbound traffic on Allens Avenue from May 27 to June 6. Northbound traffic will be redirected to Blackstone Street, then to Eddy Street, before returning to Allens Avenue, while southbound traffic will follow the reverse route—using Eddy Street to Blackstone Street before rejoining Allens Avenue.

The ongoing work includes the reinstallation of refurbished gate structures and integration of any repaired or replaced components, alongside necessary on-site functional testing. This reinstallation process follows extensive off-site repair and refurbishment efforts of the gates.

Mayor Brett Smiley emphasized that this project is part of a broader effort to enhance the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier, which includes a $1.5 million construction initiative aimed at replacing the underground hydraulics of the sewer gates situated at the intersection of Allens Avenue and Henderson Street. This upgrade aims to streamline the sewer gates’ functioning, allowing for automatic closure during emergency situations, thus eliminating the current requirement for manual operation.

The first phase of the construction is set to last until mid-August, during which time planned detours and reduced traffic lanes will be in effect. These infrastructure enhancements are part of a comprehensive long-term strategy, with additional work expected next year on road plates connected to four street gates associated with the barrier levee system.

The Providence Hurricane Barrier has historical significance, having been constructed post the destructive impact of the Great Hurricane of 1938 and Hurricane Carol in 1954. The structure serves a vital purpose, protecting approximately 280 acres of downtown Providence by mitigating flooding risks associated with storm surges. Each gate of the hurricane barrier is 40 feet wide and 40 feet high, extending 700 feet across the Providence River.

In conjunction with these local efforts, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been allocated $1 million to conduct an assessment of the hurricane barrier. This evaluation aims to determine the barrier’s effectiveness against climate change and rising sea levels, ensuring that it continues to safeguard the area against future natural threats.