Providence Reporter

Construction and traffic changes on Allens Avenue begin Monday, July 24th

Mayor Brett P. Smiley today announced the start of $1.5 million in repairs to the City of Providence’s Fox Point Hurricane Barrier. The investment will replace the underground hydraulics of the sewer gates located at the intersection of Allens Avenue and Henderson Street. 

“This infrastructure investment is a critical part of how we can ensure Providence is resilient in the face of intense weather events and climate change,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “Repairs to the hurricane barrier are long overdue and we are committed to making sure that the repairs are completed as quickly and safely as possible.” 

Investing and improving the quality of the city’s infrastructure is a top priority of the Smiley Administration. The Allens Avenue hurricane barrier gates play an important role in the City’s ability to protect Downtown from flooding in the event of a storm surge. Currently, the hurricane barrier sewer gates must be manually shut in the event of heavy storms or hurricanes. With the investment being made this month, the City will be able to close the sewer gates more efficiently during an emergency. 

The first phase of construction will begin on July 24, 2023 and should conclude by mid-August. During this phase of construction, southbound traffic on Allens Avenue will be detoured to Eddy Street, to Blackstone Street, and back to Allens Avenue. Northbound traffic will be reduced to one lane around the work zone.  

The City encourages residents and commuters to plan accordingly during this time period and wil

Original source can be found here.