Update on the New Soo Lock Progress

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. — An update to the construction progress on the New Lock at the Soo.

At the time of completion, the Lock will be the first new one in 61 years.

The New lock took over space of former Sabin and Davis locks, which were decommissioned in 2010.

Demolition on the former locks finished in July.

The new lock will be the same size as the Poe Lock, allowing for more large ships through and a year-round shipping season.

It will also have updated facilities.

“On our new lock, we are implementing a hands free mooring system, so it’s like an automated system, or we have large vacuum pads that are on the lock wall that will reach out and engage with the vessel when it comes into the lock, hold that vessel in place, and then ride up and down rails in the chamber, and that’ll be used instead of traditional line handling so it improves safety.” said Christina Schneller, Project Engineer with the New Lock at the Soo.

One drawback is that new system does not do well with ice.

They are studying the best options for ice mitigation in a study expected to wrap up next year.

The New Lock is expected to be completed in 2030.