The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, announced the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan opened March 25, marking the beginning of the 2020 Great Lakes shipping season.
The up-bound Motor Vessel H. Lee White, 704-foot long freighter, was the first ship to enter the Poe Lock on it's way from Sturgeon Bay, Michigan to Superior, Wisconsin to load cargo.
The Corps of Engineers is taking precautionary measures to protect its workforce, while also remaining fully operational, leveraging physical distancing, flexible work schedules, telework, technology and virtual meetings to keep projects moving forward.
The locks were officially closed on January 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 81 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.
