DETROIT - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, announces the updated status of the MacArthur Lock, located on the Soo Locks at Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., which experienced mechanical issues and was taken out of service Wednesday, July 29, then prepared for dewatering for repairs starting the next day.
After inspections, the Corps determined the gates were not mitering or closing properly. The staff at the locks investigated issues and repairs are underway.
The current estimate for this outage has been extended. The Corps now expects that the MacArthur Lock will be returned to operation on or about August 19.
As of Sunday, August 9, 61 ships were delayed a total of 78 hours at the locks due solely to the closure of the MacArthur Lock. Additional delays are being experienced by the shipping companies as they are slowing down in the system and holding at dock facilities to minimize the time they wait at the Soo Locks facility to lock through.
All efforts are being put forth to return the MacArthur Lock to service as soon as possible. The Corps is facilitating navigation by routing ships traditionally traversing the MacArthur Lock through the Poe Lock.
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Release no. 08102015