The Soo Locks are being reopened for the year a bit earlier than had been planned. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says the locks officially closed on January 15 to undergo repairs and maintenance for ten weeks. The rewatering of the Poe Lock began on March 15. The Army Corps says the shipping industry requested an early season opening to ensure the safety of its vessels, and the Detroit District of the Army Corps, which is responsible for the locks, was able to comply opening the locks at noon on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the MacArthur Lock, located south of the Poe, will remain closed until mid April.
