Multi-million dollar project will take years to complete
SAULT STE. MARIE, MI -- More isn't always better.
A project that is now underway at the Soo Locks will get rid of the old and bring in the new.
When the project is finished there will be there will be three locks instead of four.
The new will help create another shipping channel between Lake Huron and Lake Superior.
A long-term project has begun at the Soo Locks. At the end of the project, there will be three locks, instead of four.
"The third lock, the Davis Lock, will be filled in with demolishion debris, the fourth lock will basically be replaced with a full-size lock, 1200 feet long, 110 feet wide, and we'll be able to handle thousand foot freighters and basically any freighter over 730 feet," said Soo Locks Engineer Kevin Sprague.
The last time thisthe Saban was in service-1989. The last year the Davis locked up-this past year. Age and the limitation of what could go through these locks have a new plan in store. Work is being done to demolish these two locks, and build a new one to cater to economic traffic.
"The new lock has been authorized by Congress. It requires funds to begin construction work," said Sprague.
$2.5 million has been allotted for work to set Coffer Dams on the Lake Huron side of the two locks. $7 million will go toward deepening the Northern Canal from 23 feet to 28.5 feet for the larger cargo boats. In the future, Congress will allot funds to begin the actual construction.
"We need this project to continue our redundancy and our ability to maintain traffic, it's a big impact to the economy to support movement of iron ore, coal, and grain from Western Lake Superior to the lower lakes," said Sprague.
The Saban Lock is only 23.5 feet deep, the new Lock will be 32 feet, and that's to accommodate the modern, deep draft freighters.
Sprague says this project could take many years to complete.
$9.5 million is being spent to prepare for the construction, and he says that number will be much more when the lock work begins.
