SAULT STE. MARIE, MI (KDAL) – The Great Lakes shipping season will get off to an earlier start this year as the Soo Locks will open on March 22nd.
The mild winter allowed the Corp of Engineers to finish up the critical maintenance needed on the locks ahead of schedule after they closed on January 16th.
The locks normally open on March 25th.
The shipping industry requested the early opening at the urging of major steel producers since the St. Lawrence Seaway also opens on the 22nd. The Lake Carriers Association says a Seaway strike in 2023 and extreme wind events toward the end of last season left the fleet with some undelivered cargo.
Although the larger Poe Lock will open a couple days early, the MacArthur Lock will remain closed for maintenance until April 24th.
The lack of ice on the lakes will also allow for easier early season navigation.
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