Michigan Soo Locks Project Advances in 2025–2026 — New Lock Construction Progresses Toward 2030 Completion
Update – October 2025: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Detroit District) continues to advance construction on the New Lock at the Soo project in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. On June 16 2025, the Corps announced the award of three remaining Phase 3 contract options totaling $95.3 million to the joint-venture Kokosing Alberici Traylor (KAT). These awards continue the modernization effort that remains on schedule for 2030 completion.
This follows the Corps’ earlier September 2024 award of $222.7 million (Option 3) to KAT for construction of the lock floor, installation of mechanical and electrical systems, and commissioning of the new chamber. Excavation, concrete monolith placement, and mechanical system work are underway through 2025 and will continue into 2026.
Project Scope and Strategic Importance
The New Lock at the Soo is being built in the footprint of the decommissioned Sabin and Davis locks and will mirror the Poe Lock’s dimensions (1,200 ft long × 110 ft wide × 32 ft deep). Once operational, it will provide redundancy and expand capacity on a shipping corridor that moves roughly 75 million tons of cargo each year. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)
Per the Corps, 88% of domestically produced high-strength steel used in U.S. manufacturing depends on iron ore that must pass through the Poe Lock. The new lock will safeguard critical supply chains for automotive and manufacturing industries nationwide. (Construction Dive)
Current Value and Funding
Initial project estimates pegged the New Lock at the Soo at about $3.22 billion, but a 2025 report from Engineering News-Record (ENR) notes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers revised the project’s cost to approximately $2.62 billion following contract re-evaluations and material adjustments. The project is jointly funded through federal appropriations and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
Recent Milestones
- Phase 2 (Upstream Approach Walls): Completed September 2024 under a $117 million contract. (USACE Detroit District)
- Phase 3 (Main Lock Chamber): Ongoing through 2025 and 2026 under KAT’s direction, including blasting and bedrock excavation work noted in 2025 public notices. (USACE Announcements)
- Completion Target: Summer 2030, with full operational capacity following final commissioning. (USACE Project Update 2025)
Economic and Workforce Impact in Michigan
The New Lock at the Soo is one of Michigan’s largest active infrastructure projects, stimulating support roles across marine engineering, transport logistics, and heavy-civil construction. While no specific employment totals are published for this project, the Michigan Construction Industry Workforce Analysis 2023 reports more than 316,000 jobs statewide in the construction sector with average annual wages above $76,500.
Professionals seeking roles in marine construction and infrastructure management can explore open positions on our Construction Jobs Board or review our 2025 Construction Salary Guide for updated regional salary ranges.
The Birmingham Group’s Role in Construction Recruiting
As one of the nation’s leading construction executive recruiting firms, The Birmingham Group partners with contractors and owners to build high-performing teams that deliver complex projects like the New Lock at the Soo. Our hiring team specializes in placing Project Executives, Superintendents, and Estimators across heavy-civil and infrastructure markets nationwide.
Looking to advance your career or fill a critical leadership role? Schedule a 15-minute consultation or submit your resume to connect with our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the New Lock at the Soo be completed?
The project is scheduled for full operational completion by summer 2030. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)
What is the current project cost?
While initial estimates placed the New Lock at $3.22 billion, ENR reports a revised total of approximately $2.62 billion as of September 2025, reflecting updated material and labor cost evaluations by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Where is the project located?
The New Lock is under construction at Sault Ste. Marie on the St. Marys River in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, within the footprint of the former Sabin and Davis locks. (USACE Detroit District)
