SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will reopen the Poe Lock to all marine traffic at 12:01 a.m. EST on March 25, marking the official start of the 2026 Great Lakes shipping season.
The March 25 reopening date is typical for the annual shipping season. The Poe Lock, part of the Soo Locks system in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, closed on January 15 after the last vessel of the 2025 season passed through. Federal regulation establishes the operating season based on the feasibility of vessels operating during typical Great Lakes ice conditions.
“Our winter closure period is essential for conducting critical inspections, repairs and maintenance on our aging infrastructure,” said LeighAnn Ryckeghem, Soo Locks operations manager. “The reliability of Great Lakes navigation and the momentum of the American industrial supply chain depend on getting this work done.”
During the 10-week shutdown, maintenance crews completed extensive work on the Poe Lock, including underfloor cleanout and manhole inspection, a five-year periodic inspection, Gate 1 repairs, Gate 4 lifting lug installation and Gate 2 concrete repairs. Crews also performed additional work on the MacArthur Lock.
“Project staff started work well in advance of the navigational shutdown in planning and resourcing projects, getting contract actions in place, and sequencing work to optimize the short time available for critical maintenance and repairs,” said Tim Bartlett, maintenance branch chief. “Due to the hard work of our crews during a near-record snowfall season, we’ve been able to accomplish the required work on time.”
The MacArthur Lock, located south of the Poe, remains closed for maintenance until additional repairs are complete.
More than 4,500 vessels carrying up to 80 million tons of cargo maneuver through the locks annually. Iron ore, coal, wheat and limestone rank among the most frequently transported commodities. The Poe Lock, which opened in 1969, measures 1,200 feet long. The MacArthur Lock opened in 1943 and spans 800 feet.
The park and viewing platform will open at 11:30 p.m. March 24 to allow visitors to watch the first ship from the viewing platform. The Visitor Center will host its annual open house from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on March 25.
“We welcome visitors into the park for the 2026 Soo Locks season opening,” said Michelle Briggs, chief park ranger. “The lock opening always draws crowds. People travel from all around the region to watch this Upper Peninsula tradition that marks the changing of the seasons.”
Attendance varies based on weather conditions. Everyone entering the park must undergo a security search at the Soo Locks entry checkpoint. Firearms, weapons, drugs, pets and bicycles are prohibited.
For those unable to attend in person, the Detroit District will host a Facebook Live event at https://www.facebook.com/USACEDetroitDistrict starting at 11:55 p.m. on March 24.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, maintains a navigation system of 81 harbors, including the Great Lakes Connecting Channels that join lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, St. Clair and Erie.
COPYRIGHT 2026 BY WBKB 11. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
