Fox Point Hurricane Barrier

Fox Point Hurricane Barrier. The Fox Point Hurricane Barrier is a storm surge barrier located at the mouth of the Providence River in Rhode Island, designed to protect the city of Providence and surrounding areas from hurricanes and storm surges. The barrier is operated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers and is part of a larger system of flood control measures in the region, including the New England region's coastal defense system, which also involves the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The barrier is also connected to other nearby water infrastructure projects, such as the Scituate Reservoir and the Woonasquatucket River.

Introduction

The Fox Point Hurricane Barrier is a critical component of the Providence River's flood protection system, which also includes the Seekonk River and the Pawtuxet River. The barrier is designed to protect the city of Providence and surrounding areas from storm surges and coastal flooding, which can be caused by hurricanes, nor'easters, and other severe weather events, such as those monitored by the National Weather Service (NWS) and the National Hurricane Center (NHC). The barrier is also an important part of the region's coastal management strategy, which involves the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (RICRMC) and the New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC). Other nearby coastal defense systems, such as the Boston Harbor and the Cape Cod beach nourishment project, also play a critical role in protecting the region from coastal erosion and flooding.

Design and Construction

The Fox Point Hurricane Barrier was designed and constructed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers in the 1960s, with input from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). The barrier is a steel and concrete structure that spans the Providence River, with a gate system that can be closed to prevent storm surges from entering the river, similar to the Maeslantkering in the Netherlands and the Thames Barrier in the United Kingdom. The barrier is also equipped with a pumping station and a drainage system to help manage water levels and prevent flooding in the surrounding area, which is also protected by the Providence River Greenway and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM). Other nearby water infrastructure projects, such as the Quabbin Reservoir and the Wachusett Reservoir, also play a critical role in managing water resources in the region.

History

The Fox Point Hurricane Barrier was constructed in response to the Great New England Hurricane of 1938, which caused widespread flooding and damage in the region, including the Providence River and the surrounding areas, such as Warwick and Cranston. The barrier was designed to protect the city of Providence and surrounding areas from similar storm surges and flooding events, such as the Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962 and Hurricane Carol in 1954, which were monitored by the National Weather Service (NWS) and the National Hurricane Center (NHC). The barrier has been operated and maintained by the United States Army Corps of Engineers since its construction, with input from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Other nearby coastal defense systems, such as the Boston Harbor and the Cape Cod beach nourishment project, also play a critical role in protecting the region from coastal erosion and flooding.

Operation and Maintenance

The Fox Point Hurricane Barrier is operated and maintained by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, with input from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). The barrier is typically closed during hurricanes and other severe weather events to prevent storm surges from entering the Providence River, similar to the Maeslantkering in the Netherlands and the Thames Barrier in the United Kingdom. The barrier is also equipped with a pumping station and a drainage system to help manage water levels and prevent flooding in the surrounding area, which is also protected by the Providence River Greenway and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM). Other nearby water infrastructure projects, such as the Quabbin Reservoir and the Wachusett Reservoir, also play a critical role in managing water resources in the region, including the Charles River and the Merrimack River.

Environmental Impact

The Fox Point Hurricane Barrier has had a significant impact on the environment of the Providence River and surrounding areas, including the Narragansett Bay and the Rhode Island Sound. The barrier has helped to prevent flooding and damage to wetlands and other coastal ecosystems, such as the Providence River Greenway and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM). However, the barrier has also been criticized for its impact on marine life and water quality in the region, including the New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Other nearby coastal defense systems, such as the Boston Harbor and the Cape Cod beach nourishment project, also play a critical role in protecting the region from coastal erosion and flooding, and are monitored by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Park Service (NPS). Category:Rhode Island