Dredging resumes at the Soo Locks site

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New Lock at the Soo project is on schedule as construction resumes on phase one and is initiated on phase two this week.

Trade West Construction, Inc., and joint venture Kokosing-Alberici began moving equipment to the site the week of April 12 and 19, said USACE in the release.

The Corps also added that Trade West continues phase one, deepening the upstream channel to the Sabin and Davis Locks, which will be replaced by the new lock. Officials expect phase one completion in November 2021.

Phase one of the project, upstream channel deepening, will facilitate the construction of a new Poe-sized lock in the place of the existing Davis and Sabin Locks.

Kokosing-Alberici will begin phase two this year, rehabilitating the upstream approach walls. This will stabilize the existing approach walls allowing modern vessels to tie up and wait their turn to pass through the new lock. Phase two should be complete by fall 2023, with winter seasonal breaks.

“The Detroit District is looking forward to working with contractors Trade West and Kokosing-Alberici on phase one and phase two of the New Lock at the Soo,” said Lt. Col. Scott Katalenich, commander, USACE, Detroit District. “We recently had a partnering meeting with phase two contractors who are starting this year and are confident this project continues the successful construction of the new lock.”

The third phase, construction of the new lock chamber, will include rehabilitating downstream approach walls and is currently at the 95% design milestone. Bid solicitation should begin this summer with phase three construction starting in spring of 2022.