Fox Point Hurricane Barrier facts for kids

The Fox Point Hurricane Barrier is a huge wall built across the Providence River in Providence, Rhode Island. It's like a giant shield for the city! Built between 1960 and 1966, this amazing structure protects the lower parts of downtown Providence. It keeps the city safe from damaging storm surges and floods. These surges can happen during powerful storms like hurricanes.

Before the barrier was built, big storms caused a lot of trouble. For example, the 1938 New England hurricane caused $120 million (in 1938 money) of damage in Providence. Almost sixteen years later, Hurricane Carol brought an eight-foot-high storm surge. That storm caused $41 million in damage. To stop this from happening again, the city decided to build the barrier. It cost $14 million to build.

When the Barrier Was Used

The Fox Point Hurricane Barrier has been closed several times to protect Providence. Each time, it worked to keep the city safe from high water.

Protecting from Hurricane Gloria

In 1985, the barrier was closed for the first time. It protected the city from the storm surge of Hurricane Gloria. This showed how important the barrier was for safety.

Guarding Against Hurricane Bob

In 1991, the barrier closed again. This time, it was to protect Providence from four feet of water brought by Hurricane Bob. The barrier successfully kept the city from flooding.

Facing Hurricane Sandy

On October 28-29, 2012, the barrier was closed because of Hurricane Sandy. This storm brought a huge tidal surge, reaching 9.5 feet high. The barrier held strong, protecting the city from major flood damage.

Images for kids

• 

  The tainter gates of the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier. The Providence River Bridge is visible behind them.

• 

  This 1990 view shows the hurricane barrier before the nearby Providence River Bridge was built.

• 

  A view inside the Fox Point pumping station.