SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. (WXYZ) — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said Thursday that the second phase of new lock in the Soo Locks has been given a contract.
That contract went to Kokosing Alberici LLC in Westerville, Ohio.
The project is expected to take three phases to construct, and Kokosing Alberici will get more than $111 million to complete phase two.
During phase two, workers will stabilize the existing approach walls which will allow modern vessels to tie up and wait their turn to pass through the lock.
Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2021 and take about two years.
"The Corps looks forward to beginning construction on the upstream approach walls next spring, and we continue to work hard to maintain the pace and meet all milestones in bringing our nation's New Lock at the Soo to fruition,” said Detroit District Commander Lt. Col. Scott Katalenich.
The first phase of construction began this summer and is expected to be complete by next November. In that phase, workers are deepening the upstream channel.
“It is so important that we stay on track as work areas for the three phases do overlap and construction needs to be accomplished in a certain order,” said New Lock Project Manager Mollie Mahoney. “Awarding the phase two contract right on schedule sets the clock for phase three work to begin on time in 2022.”
In the third phase, which is still in design, crews will construct the new lock chamber.
