CRMC, TNC to Remove Hazardous Timbers from Providence River
NOAA marine debris grant spurs removal of 300 contaminated pilings from waters below the Point Street Bridge in downtown Providence.
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Tim Mooney
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The Nature Conservancy
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The Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC), along with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the City of Providence, plans to remove 250 tons of derelict creosote timbers and piers from the Providence River this fall.
The project will focus on dismantling the wooden remnants of the Point Street Bridge’s old swing system and will not interfere with or impact the functional portions of the bridge. The partners will also be working with the Providence Parks Department and the Downtown Providence Park Network to engage in public education and outreach opportunities.
The 300 pilings and associated decking are part of an old structure that lifted and turned the Point Street Bridge from 1927 to 1959. In 1966, the Fox Point hurricane barrier was constructed just to the south, blocking larger vessels from entering the harbor and rendering the bridge’s swing feature obsolete. Now deteriorating, the timbers are a hazard to navigation, a potential threat to the hurricane barrier and a source of water pollution.
Quote: Scott Comings
Removing the contaminated timbers will be a positive step for the ecosystem and for recreation, and we’re excited to see continued, strong investments in our urban waters.
This work will be funded by a $2.3 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Marine Debris Program. TNC will manage the engineering and demolition contracts under a cooperative agreement.
“Local advocates identified the pilings as a priority for removal during the WaterFire dredging project a few years ago,” said Scott Comings, TNC’s associate state director in Rhode Island. Removing the contaminated timbers from the river will be a positive step for the ecosystem and for recreation, and we’re excited to see continued, strong investments in our urban waters.”
Providence and its harbor have a long history of navigation for industrial and economic purposes and, more recently, for recreation, tourism and cultural events. The project will improve navigational safety, enhance recreational boating and fishing opportunities and benefit commercial boat tour operators and nearby marinas.
The permitting process for the project will start in spring 2026, and CRMC and TNC expect to complete the work by the end of the year. Education, public outreach and events will continue into 2027.
“As the Ocean State, we have a responsibility to build a cleaner, greener and healthier Rhode Island,” said Governor Dan McKee. "Removing this debris will improve this waterway along with the marine life that dwell there.”
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