Soo Locks Close for Winter: A Seasonal Transition

The Soo Locks, a vital component of the Great Lakes shipping system, are set to close at midnight on Wednesday. This closure marks the end of the shipping season for the year. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced that the locks will remain closed until March 25, 2025. As the last freighters make their way to winter ports, the atmosphere is a mix of finality and anticipation for the upcoming season.
Understanding the Soo Locks
The Soo Locks, located in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, consist of two canals and four locks. These structures allow vessels to navigate the 21-foot elevation change of the St. Marys River, connecting Lake Superior with Lakes Michigan and Huron. Ships traveling upbound enter the locks from the lower end. Once inside, massive doors close behind them. Water then flows in from Lake Superior, raising the ships to the higher lake level. Conversely, downbound ships enter from Lake Superior, and after the doors close, water drains out, lowering the vessels to the lower lake level.
Visitors can observe the operations from viewing decks alongside the locks. Here, they can watch both “lakers” (Great Lakes freighters) and “salties” (ocean-going vessels) as they navigate the locks. The Soo Locks are not just a functional part of the shipping industry; they are also a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness the impressive engineering and the bustling activity of maritime transport.
Current Operations and Future Plans
Currently, the Soo Locks have two operational locks, with the larger Poe Lock being the primary one in use. The smaller MacArthur Lock has been closed since late 2024. As the shipping season winds down, crews have been busy preparing for the winter closure. The Army Corps of Engineers plans to install a temporary panel bridge across the Poe Lock. This will facilitate the movement of materials and equipment for ongoing construction projects during the winter months.
During the closure, crews will undertake various maintenance tasks. These include replacing pier fender timbers, inspecting electrical and mechanical systems, and rehabilitating the hydraulic systems of both the Poe and MacArthur Locks. Contractors will also focus on repairing the upstream stop log recesses at the Poe Lock. This comprehensive maintenance plan ensures that the locks remain in good condition and ready for the next shipping season.
As the locks close, the last few vessels are making their final journeys. Some crew members have taken to social media to share light-hearted messages about their destinations, adding a touch of humor to the end of the season. The Philip R. Clarke, for instance, humorously reported its destination as “Are We There Yet,” while other vessels had fun with their Automated Identification System, listing whimsical locations like “Cape Cod of the Midwest.”
The Soo Locks play a crucial role in the Great Lakes shipping industry, facilitating the movement of over 4,500 vessels and 80 million tons of cargo annually. As the locks prepare for their winter hiatus, the anticipation for the reopening on March 25, 2025, begins to build among shipping crews and enthusiasts alike.
Source: livingstondaily.com