The 2025-2026 winter layup list is now up and running at https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2025-2026
Soo Locks to open for 2026 shipping season March 25
SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District will open the Poe Lock, part of the Soo Locks, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to all marine traffic at 12:01 a.m. EST on March 25, marking the start of the 2026 Great Lakes shipping season.
Federal regulation (33 CFR 207.440) 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,” Soo Locks Operations Manager LeighAnn Ryckeghem said. “The reliability of Great Lakes navigation and the momentum of the American industrial supply chain depend on getting this work done.”
The locks officially closed after the last vessel of the season transited the Poe Lock on January 15, to undergo critical repairs and maintenance during the 10-week-long winter shutdown.
Maintenance crews performed a variety of critical tasks on the Poe Lock, including underfloor cleanout and manhole inspection, a five-year periodic inspection, Gate 1 repairs, Gate 4 lifting lug installation, Gate 2 concrete repairs and applying an experimental ice shedding coating. Additional work was simultaneously completed 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,” Maintenance Branch Chief Tim Bartlett said. “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.”
“We welcome visitors into the park for the 2026 Soo Locks season opening,” Chief Park Ranger Michelle Briggs said. “The lock opening always has a great energy. People travel from all around the region to watch this distinct Upper Peninsula way to mark the changing of the seasons.”
The park and viewing platform will open at 11:30 p.m. March 24 to allow visitors to welcome the first ship from the viewing platform. The Visitor Center will also host its annual open house for the public from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on March 25.
Everyone entering the park is subject to 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 of the event at https://www.facebook.com/USACEDetroitDistrict starting at 11:55 p.m. on March 24.
[U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District]
Duluth’s Aerial Lift Bridge gets funds for rehabilitation
At its meeting Monday night, the Duluth City Council voted to accept an $11.2 million grant from the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) for the rehabilitation of Duluth’s iconic Aerial Lift Bridge. The bridge first opened in 1905 and has operated in its current lift configuration since 1930.
The almost $23.3 million Aerial Lift Bridge rehabilitation project will be funded by the following sourceand come at no cost to Duluth taxpayers:
• $11,200,000 USDOT Federal RAISE Grant
- $7,000,000 State Bridge Bonds
- $2,240,000 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) State Matching Grant
- $1,500,000 National Park Service, Historic Preservation Fund Grants
- $822,000 MNDOT ADA Grant
- $500,000 MNDOT Active Transportation Grant
“The Aerial Lift Bridge is not just any bridge – it’s arguably THE most iconic bridge in all of Minnesota. It’s also a critical gateway for the shipping industry, as well as a critical transportation and utility connection to over 2,500 Duluth residents and 1,000,000 annual visitors,” said Mayor Roger Reinert. “This rehabilitation project represents our focus on Duluth’s core infrastructure and is not optional.”
[City of Duluth]
St. Lawrence Seaway 2025 Traffic Report
You can read the full report at the link provided: https://greatlakes-seaway.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/traffic_report_2025_en.pdf
National Museum of the Great Lakes Offers Spring Lecture Series
The National Museum of the Great Lakes has announced its spring programming. Coming up soon is the Spring Lecture Series, featuring three engaging speakers; the Lil’ Scupper’s Kids Club, featuring new community partnerships; and a special Sensory Friendly Weekend in partnership with Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
Check out the press releases in the gallery below for all the details.
