Second phase of Soo Locks project completed

What's happening: In a major milestone, Phase 2 of the Soo Locks expansion and restoration project was completed on September 17, according to an announcement by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineering. The phase included crucial work on the upstream approach walls, updating infrastructure that was nearly 100 years old. Nearly 5,000 feet of walls were rehabilitated in this phase, using more than 62,000 cubic yards of concrete. 

The next step: This is the latest update on the $117 million project awarded to Ohio-based Kokosing-Alberici. Construction began in September 2020 and is expected to be fully completed in 2030. Previous work deepened the upstream channel leading to the locks, allowing more space and flexibility for ships. Phase 3 was able to get a jump start in late 2022, thanks to good weather. That phase will put a new lock at the former location of the former Sabin Lock but will be the same size as the 110-foot wide, 1,200-foot-long Poe Lock. 

What they're saying: “Phase 2 work focused on rehabilitating the upstream approach walls to guide vessels into the New Lock and will allow the vessels to moor on the wall,” said Ryan Berkompas, a Soo Project engineer. “The old approach walls in the northern channel were the same age as the Sabin and Davis Locks, over 100 years old.”

What's next: The Phase 3 contractor is actively demolishing the Sabin Lock chamber and excavating bedrock at the site. The contractor is also excavating for a new pump well in the Davis Lock and filling it with material from the excavation. Additionally, a bridge is being constructed to the New Power Plant and a utility access structure.