Providence to begin second phase of repairs on Fox Point Hurricane Barrier

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Providence Mayor Brett Smiley announced Wednesday that the city will begin the second phase of construction at the Allens Avenue sewer gates, part of the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier.

The construction is part of a $3 million ARPA Revenue Recovery investment plan.

“I am proud of the investments we are making to our hurricane barrier, an incredibly important part of our city infrastructure that has long needed repairs,” Smiley said. “This is one of the many ways my Administration is working to ensure the city is resilient and prepared should there be an emergency.”

The first phase of construction was over the summer. The second go around will focus on replacing the hydraulic gate operators.

The Allens Avenue sewer gates usually only shut to prevent flooding during severe storms. The Fox Point Hurricane Barrier protects 280 acres of downtown.

Starting next year, Smiley said the city will continue with the investment plan and replace all the road plates at four of the street gates in the system.

Construction is set to start on Monday, Nov. 13. It is expected to be done in early December.

During the work, Allens Avenue will stay open to north and southbound traffic, but it will be reduced to one lane in each direction near the construction zone.