NEW SOO LOCK INDUSTRY DAYS

BY EMILY SCHAEFER, Detroit District

Construction of a new Soo Lock in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, is moving forward, as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Detroit District held Industry Day events in May and June for potential contractors.

Industry Day events were held for two phases of New Soo Lock project construction: upstream channel deepening, and upstream approach walls. Contractors were taken on a site visit to help gain awareness of the construction site, and a formal presentation was delivered to help highlight sections of the plans and specifications where input from industry was most desired.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Detroit District held an Industry Day event in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, in May 2019 to seek feedback from potential contractors on the New Soo Lock upstream channel deepening plans and specifications.

Detroit District Photos

“These events proved to be an excellent opportunity for communication with contractors interested in the upcoming New Soo Lock construction contracts,” said Mollie Mahoney, project manager of the New Soo Lock. “Their valuable feedback enables us to deliver the highest-quality product.”

Construction of the New Soo Lock began in 2009 with the placement of the cofferdams on either end of the Sabin Lock and the downstream channel deepening. There are three remaining phases of construction work: upstream channel deepening, upstream approach walls, and new lock chamber.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Detroit District held an Industry Day event in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, in May 2019 to seek feedback from potential contractors on the New Soo Lock upstream channel deepening plans and specifications.

Detroit District Photos

All three phases of the New Soo Lock project are currently in the design phase with Work Plan and state of Michigan funds. The first phase of construction on the New Soo Lock, the upstream channel deepening contract, is on schedule to be awarded December 2019. The second phase of construction on the New Soo Lock, the upstream approach walls contract, is on schedule to be awarded July 2020.

Lock construction could be complete, with efficient funding, within seven to 10 years of the construction kickoff. Total work is estimated to cost approximately $1 billion.

For more information about the New Soo Lock project, visit: www.lre.usace.army.mil/About/Highlighted-Projects/New_Soo_Lock/. n