Soo Lock construction project continues to make significant progress in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, as contractors advance the final and largest phase of work on the new navigation lock. The estimated $3 billion megaproject remains on schedule for completion in 2030 and will provide critical redundancy for Great Lakes shipping.
Since the original article was published, Phase 2 has reached completion while Phase 3 has entered major structural construction, including lock chamber works, approach wall rehabilitation, and mechanical system installation. The project remains one of the largest civil engineering investments undertaken by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The new lock will match the dimensions of the existing Poe Lock, allowing the largest Great Lakes freighters to transit the St. Marys River even if one lock becomes unavailable. The investment aims to strengthen supply chain resilience for industries that depend on iron ore, limestone, coal, and other bulk commodities moving across the Great Lakes.
Soo Lock construction project reaches major construction milestone
The project has advanced considerably over the past two years. Phase 1, which involved upstream channel deepening, finished in 2022. Phase 2, covering the upstream approach walls, reached completion during 2024. Meanwhile, Phase 3 continues with excavation, demolition of the former Sabin Lock, concrete placement, construction of the new lock chamber, installation of miter gates, and rehabilitation of downstream approach walls.
In June 2025, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded an additional $95.3 million in Phase 3 options to Kokosing Alberici Traylor (KAT). The award covers downstream construction activities, installation of hands-free mooring technology, and ship arrestor systems. Officials approved the options ahead of schedule to maintain construction momentum and avoid procurement delays.
Project managers continue to target a 2030 completion date, provided Congress maintains consistent annual funding. The completed lock will operate alongside the Poe Lock, significantly reducing the risk of disruptions to Great Lakes commercial navigation.
Soo Lock construction project highlights growing U.S. maritime investment
The Soo Lock project reflects a broader trend of strategic investment in America’s freight infrastructure. Federal and state agencies continue to modernize ports, locks, and shipping corridors to improve cargo movement and strengthen supply chains.
Similar investments are also taking place through the Virginia container terminal expansion, where construction is nearing completion to increase container handling capacity and accommodate larger vessels along the U.S. East Coast. Both projects demonstrate the country’s commitment to building more resilient maritime infrastructure for future trade growth.
Once operational, the new lock will provide a second passage capable of handling the largest Great Lakes vessels. Today, nearly all ships exceeding 1,000 feet rely exclusively on the Poe Lock. The additional lock will reduce operational risk while supporting industries that depend on uninterrupted movement of raw materials throughout North America.
Beyond improving reliability, the project will deliver long-term economic benefits. Great Lakes shipping transports tens of millions of tons of cargo annually, making the Soo Locks one of North America’s most strategically important transportation assets. The modernization project will help preserve that role for decades while improving operational efficiency and resilience.
More details on the Soo Lock project in Michigan
Rehabilitating the upstream approach walls is the second phase of the project, which will enable modern vessels to tie up and queue up to pass through the new lock. Kokosing-Alberici, a partnership between the construction companies in Overland, Missouri, and Fredericktown, Ohio, is the builder. On schedule to be finished by the summer of 2024, construction started in 2021.
According to USACE, Phase 3’s work is the most extensive and challenging. It entails tearing down the old Sabin Lock, excavating bedrock, building the new lock and fabricating and installing mitre gates. Additionally, restoring the downstream approach walls, install mechanical, electrical, and mooring systems, and constructing a new pump well.
The third phase is being built by a partnership between Kokosing Industrial, Alberici Constructors, and Evansville, Indiana-based Traylor Bros. The project’s start date was November 2022, and its completion date is 2030. The contractors have a full summer of construction ahead of them, according to the USACE announcement.
Project fact sheet
Project: Soo Lock construction project (New Lock at the Soo)
Location: Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, United States
Project value: Approximately $3 billion
Project type: Navigation lock construction and maritime infrastructure modernization
Current status: Phase 2 completed; Phase 3 under active construction
Expected completion: 2030
Purpose: Construct a second lock for the largest Great Lakes vessels
Major works:
- New lock chamber construction
- Sabin Lock demolition
- Upstream and downstream approach walls
- Bedrock excavation
- Miter gate installation
- Mechanical and electrical systems
- Hands-free mooring system
- Ship arrestor installation
Primary benefit: Improves redundancy, reliability, and resilience of Great Lakes shipping
Key industries served: Steel, mining, manufacturing, agriculture, and bulk commodities logistics
Project team
Project owner: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Lead agency: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District
Primary contractor: Kokosing Alberici Traylor (KAT), LLC
Joint venture partners:
Funding: U.S. Congress through federal appropriations
Project management: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New Lock at the Soo Program Office
Key stakeholders:
- Great Lakes shipping industry
- Lake Carriers’ Association
- State of Michigan
- S. Department of Transportation
- Regional manufacturing and mining industries
Also Read: Plans Announced for US$ 50M Toyota Electric Vehicle Battery Lab in Michigan
Leave a Reply