Constructed in 1885, the Soo Locks Complex accommodates more than 7,000 vessels annually traveling across the U.S.-Canada border between Lakes Superior and Huron. To provide the much-needed infrastructure resiliency, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is implementing a three-phase plan for a new lock that will be capable of accommodating modern lake freighters.

The Engineering News-Record awarded the joint venture team of Kokosing Alberici LLC the 2025 ENR Midwest Regional Best Project Award in the water/environment category for completing Phase 2 of the project. Phase 2 included construction and rehabilitation of more than a mile of new approach walls in a freshly deepened channel to reach depts of at least 30 feet.

Phase 3 is a tri-venture effort by Kokosing Industrial, Alberici Constructors and Traylor Brothers to install a new lock in place of the existing decommissioned Sabin Lock. Completion of the project is on track for 2030.