Hurricane Barriers in New England and New Jersey - History and Status After Four Decades
Abstract
In response to renewed studies of potential hurricane barriers across Lake Pontchartrain, the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center conducted a survey of the New England hurricane barriers. This survey revealed a number of common factors pertaining to the projects. First, most of the projects have not been tested with storm water elevations near their design elevation. An exception is the Charles River dam, which helped prevent flooding in Boston during the Blizzard of 1978. For the lower levels experienced, all projects performed as designed. Second, there is little information in the literature regarding flushing, sedimentation, or other environmental effects of the New England barriers. All except Charles River were constructed in an era when environmental studies were minimal compared to today. Third, long-term maintenance requirements were underestimated for the projects with mechanical components. In particular, the 1960s electromechanical controls at Providence and New Bedford need upgrading. Fourth, many people are unaware that the Corps of Engineers has built and efficiently operated hurricane barriers for more than 40 years. A public education campaign would be beneficial to the USACE. The New England and New Jersey barriers are excellent examples of cooperation and operational coordination between the USACE and municipal agencies. At least six major challenges will confront designers of Gulf Coast hurricane barriers compared to the earlier projects.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA473784
Entities
People
- Andrew Morang
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center