SAULT STE. MARIE – Work on the New Lock at the Soo project is entering its final phase as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently announced the completion of phase two.
Completing the new lock is a top priority for state and federal officials because the shipping industry relies heavily on using the locks to transport important construction materials and cargo. Currently, the Poe and MacArthur locks are operational, but only the Poe Lock is large enough to accommodate cargo ships of 1,000 feet or longer.
The new lock will be the same size as the Poe Lock and allow for greater shipping efficiency. It also means that if one of the locks has to close for repairs, the other can still handle freight traffic without too much disruption.
Recently completed works in phase two included finishing the upstream access walls for the new lock.
“Phase two focused on rehabilitating the upstream access walls to direct vessels to the new lock and allow vessels to moor at the wall,” said Ryan Berkompas, New Lock at the Soo Project Engineer. “The old entrance walls in the north canal were the same age as the Sabin and Davis locks, over 100 years old.”
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The new lock project is divided into three construction phases, although these phases can take place simultaneously. Phase one began in 2020 with deepening the upstream canal to prepare it for a larger lock. In 2021, they started phase two of the project.
Some electrical work within the walls still needs to be completed, but is expected to be completed by the end of November. During phase two, a series of suitcase cells were also built within the walls.
The third and final phase of the project is now underway. It consists of demolishing what remains of the existing Sabins Lock and excavating the area below. The Davis lock will also be excavated to make room for a new pump well.
Additional construction work planned for this year includes a new bridge providing access to the structures and a pumping station structure.
“Construction of phase three began in late 2022 and, given efficient financing and favorable weather, will be completed in 2030,” said Senior Project Manager Mollie Mahoney. “The Nieuwe Sluis aan de Soo will be built on the footprint of the Sabinsluis and will be the same size as the Poesluis.”
— Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com
This article originally appeared in The Sault News: The New Soo Locks project continues on schedule with the completion of phase two
