SAULT SAINT MARIE, Mich. — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said Wednesday the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie are now closed through March.
During the annual closure, crews will perform "critical" maintenance on the lock structures.
“The Soo Locks are critical to the Great Lakes Navigation System and we have a tremendous team that operates and maintains them throughout the year,” said Lt. Col. Greg Turner, district engineer. “While we've begun work on building the new lock, it is as important as ever that we keep the existing infrastructure in good working order -- this is our highest priority.”
Crews will also be working on the MacArthur and Poe locks.
More than 4,500 vessels carrying up to 80 million tons of cargo maneuver through the locks annually. Iron ore, coal, wheat and limestone are among the most frequently carried commodities.
Opened in 1969, the Poe Lock is 1,200 feet long. The MacArthur Lock was opened in 1943 and is 800 feet long.
You can read more about the Soo Locks online.
