Engineer Says Providence, R.I. Hurricane Barrier Needs Repairs

December 14, 2007

A hurricane barrier protecting downtown Providence, R.I. from floods caused by major storms needs about $20,000 in repair work.

City Engineer William Bombard says a gear broke several months ago, so one of the massive doors on the barrier is stuck in the down position and can’t move.

The other two doors are working, so boat traffic can get past the 25-foot-high barrier on the Providence River.

The facility recently underwent millions of dollars in repairs. The city government typically pays up to $250,000 annually to keep it operating.

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Information from: The Providence Journal, http://www.projo.com/