Fox Point Hurricane Barrier

[5] The main feature of the hurricane barrier is a group of three large movable gates which span the river, allowing boats to pass through during normal periods.

The majority of the hurricane barrier's length consists of a 25-foot (7.6 m) high rock and earthen dike along the low-lying areas of the waterfront within the Fox Point and Jewelry District neighborhoods of Providence.

The original dike located along the eastern shore has been removed and replaced with vertical concrete walls as part of the construction of the new embankment for the Interstate 195 relocation.

The gates are normally in the "open" position to allow traffic to pass through, but are closed to provide a continuous barrier during emergency events.

On the west side of the river, there are also two large canal gates, which control water used to cool the nearby Manchester Street Power Station, which is operated by Dominion Resources.

[7] The barrier also includes a pumping station, housed within a concrete and brick structure located near the western shore of the river.

pumps with instantaneous starting power, and are designed to convey water from the Providence River over the barrier when the gates are closed.

[7] It is believed by witnesses, during a storm on April 18, 2007, flow from the pumps from the hurricane barrier contributed to the sinking of the Soviet submarine K-77 which was then being used as a museum.