Great Lakes Shipping Season Opens with Soo Locks

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, announced the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., opened Sunday, March 25, marking the beginning of the 2018 Great Lakes shipping season. “Although, we have yet to know which ship will be the first through the locks this year, several ships are scheduled to leave their lay-up ports Friday, so we expect a very busy opening day,” said Kevin Sprague, area engineer, Soo Area Office. “People can check the district Facebook page for first boat photos and updates.” The locks were officially closed on Jan. 15 and underwent critical repairs and maintenance during the 10-week long winter shutdown. The Detroit District operates and maintains the Soo Locks along with 94 harbors and connecting channels on lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, St. Clair and the portion of Lake Erie that borders the state of Michigan. Located on the St. Marys River, Michigan, the locks have been a part of the Corps’ navigation mission since 1881.