SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. — The Great Lakes shipping season is almost here.
The Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie will open the Poe Lock to all marine traffic on March 22 at 6 p.m., marking the start of the season.
The shipping industry requested an early opening this season.
“The St. Lawrence Seaway has announced that it will open this spring on March 22. We would like to match that early opening at the Soo,” said President of the Lake Carriers’ Association James Weakley. “We also note that the Seaway strike in 2023 and extreme wind events toward the end of the last operating season left the fleet with undelivered cargo.”
The locks have been officially closed since the last vessel of the 2023 season passed through on January 16. The 10-week-long winter shutdown has allowed maintenance crews to get to work on the locks and the vessels.
This winter, crews worked on the Poe Lock by conducting structural inspections, maintenance and installing lifting lugs in the upstream miter gate. On the downstream miter gates, crews completed structural repairs and installed anchorage components.
There was also major work done on the Poe Lock's upstream and downstream ship arrestor systems.
“We worked hard to accelerate work up-front during our annual closure, with crews working extended days and hours to optimize the short time available for critical maintenance and repairs,” Maintenance Branch Chief Nicholas Pettit said. “Due to the hard work of our maintenance crews and some mild weather, we’ve been able to accomplish all required work ahead of schedule.”
Visitors are welcome to attend the 2024 Soo Locks season opening on March 22. Chief Park Ranger Michelle Briggs said the park and viewing platform will remain open through 8 p.m.
Everyone in attendance will undergo a security search at the Soo Locks entry checkpoint. Firearms, weapons, drugs, pets (except service animals) and bicycles are not allowed in the park.
For those unable to attend the opening in person, the Detroit District will host a Facebook Live of the event at starting at 5:55 p.m. on March 22.
The MacArthur Lock, located south of the Poe, will remain closed for maintenance until April 24.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV and on your phone.
