The latest awards cover the remaining Phase 3 contract options, including downstream work ($44.9 million), hands-free mooring systems ($24.2 million), and downstream ship arrestors ($26.2 million). The negotiated pricing for these options was due to expire in September 2025.

The New Lock at the Soo, which will allow ships to bypass a 21-foot drop in elevation between Lake Superior and the other Great Lakes, is being delivered in three phases. Phases 1 and 2, covering upstream channel deepening and approach walls, were completed in 2022 and 2024 respectively. KAT secured the main Phase 3 contract, valued at $1.1 billion, in July 2022. Early award of the remaining work keeps the project on track for completion in 2030, according to Kevin McDaniels, senior civilian at the Corps鈥� Detroit District.

Work on Phase 3 began in late 2022. To date, KAT has completed nearly $600 million of work. Current activity includes concrete monolith placement, Sabin Lock demolition, and bedrock excavation. The new structure, replacing the Sabin Lock, will match the Poe Lock鈥檚 dimensions at 1,200 feet long, 110 feet wide, and 32 feet deep.

The Soo Locks are a key component of the Great Lakes Navigation System, handling over 88% of cargo that requires the Poe Lock鈥檚 dimensions. A Department of Homeland Security study from 2015 estimated a six-month Poe Lock outage would cut US GDP by $1.1trn and cost 11 million jobs, underlining the strategic importance of the expansion.