The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (Corps) New Lock at the Soo project has reached the 50% completion milestone, with construction continuing on the second Poe-sized lock at the Soo Locks facility in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

The Corps awarded the Phase 3 base contract to Kokosing Alberici Traylor (KAT) LLC of Westerville, Ohio, on July 1, 2022. The project has a total investment of $3.219 billion and is intended to increase resiliency at the Soo Locks by adding a second lock capable of handling vessels that currently use the Poe Lock. The Corps says 88% of U.S. domestic iron ore transport depends on the 1969-era Poe Lock.

Phase 3 work includes construction of cofferdams at both ends of the new lock, demolition of the existing Sabin Lock, filling the existing Davis Lock, bedrock excavation and construction of the new lock chamber walls and floor. The project also includes miter gates, mechanical and electrical systems, a hands-free mooring system, rehabilitation of downstream approach walls and construction of a new pump well.

KAT had completed $975 million worth of work through the end of August. Current construction is focused on mass concrete placement for the lock walls and floor, along with construction of the new pump well. Steel components, including miter gates, ship arrestors and culvert valves, are being fabricated off-site.

The project is expected to require approximately 400,000 cubic yards of concrete. Through August, 140,198 cubic yards had been placed.

Despite construction conditions in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the Corps said the project remains on schedule for its 2030 completion target. More than 600 people are working on the project, according to the Corps.

The New Lock at the Soo is intended to provide an additional route for commercial vessels carrying raw materials used in U.S. steel production and reduce dependence on the existing Poe Lock.

Feature photo courtesy of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers