SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. (WXYZ) — Construction for phase one of a new lock at the Soo Locks began this week.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Detroit District, announced that Trade West Construction began moving equipment onto the site on May 4 and will begin deepening the upstream approach in the north canal within the next month.
Phase one of the project, which is the channel deepening, will facilitate the constructon of a new Poe-sized lock in place of the existing Davis and Sabin Locks.
Work is expected to be complete in November 2021.
"It's incredible that we're starting this construction a year earlier than even the most optimistic projections when the project was reauthorized in 2018," said Lt. Col. Gregory Turner, commander, USACE, Detroit District. "Getting the first phase started sets the conditions for the project's ultimate completion."
The three major phases remain on track despite the coronavirus pandemic.
Phase two involves rehabbing the upstream approach walls, and the third phase is construction of the new lock chamber and will include rehab of the downstream approach walls.
