SAULT STE. MARIE, MI —The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers kicks off Phase 3 construction for the New Lock at the Soo as the contractor mobilizes to the Soo Locks.

Kokosing Alberici Traylor, LLC (KAT), a joint venture headquartered in Westerville, Ohio, began moving major equipment to the site via a barge in the Poe Lock in between shipping traffic. Mobilization of equipment for Phase 3 marks a big milestone for the project.

The Soo Locks will remain operational during construction of the New Lock at the Soo and without interruptions to shipping traffic.

“KAT started their major mobilization this week with moving project trailers to the site,” said Rachel Miller, New Lock at the Soo Supervisory Civil Engineer. “They previously moved smaller pieces of equipment and have worked over the summer preparing the grounds for upcoming work.”

KAT will set up the trailers in preparation for the winter season. No major construction for Phase 3 will take place until Spring due to the harsh winter climate in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Phase 3 construction includes demolishing the existing Sabin Lock, infilling the Davis Lock, constructing a new pump well, rehabilitating the downstream approach walls, and constructing the New Lock at the Soo chamber.

“The Detroit District is looking forward to working with KAT on Phase 3 of the New Lock at the Soo,” said Mick Awbrey, Chief of the Integrated Project Office. “We recently had a partnering and pre-construction meeting with the contractor to collectively work towards becoming a world class team.”

“We appreciate the collaboration and communication with our Stakeholders and KAT Partners,” said Lt. Col. Brett Boyle, District Commander. “The team is fully committed to safely delivering a quality New Lock.”