Rail bridge malfunction keeps sailboats, large vessels from Sault Canal

Tour boats and any ships taller than 12-feet have not been able to pass through the Sault Ste. Marie Canal since Tuesday morning after a mechanical problem struck a CN rail swing bridge.

CN said the swing bridge that goes over the canal connecting Canada and United States malfunctioned on the morning of August 9 preventing large traffic from passing through the locks.

The error is attributed to a “screw mechanism” that turns the bridge deck.

CN said repairs are expected to be completed in two weeks.

This delay has perhaps most affected the Michigan-based Soo Locks Boat Tours, which is now in its peak season and before the malfunction was sending seven tours through the canal per day.

“It’s affecting how we showcase Canada. American tourists may not think about going to Canada. When we showcase it they get to see that there’s a park at Whitefish Island, the Bushplane Museum, the Old Stone House, and other things to do. A lot people won’t be going over to Canada because we haven’t been able to show them,” said Steve Welch, Vice President of Soo Locks Boat Tours.

The company’s normal boat tours begin at their docks on the south side of the St. Mary’s River, go through the Soo Locks on the United States side of the river, pass by Essar Steel Algoma, go through the canal and Canadian lock, then finish by travelling along the Canadian coast and pointing out attractions.

They are now having to double back at Essar, largely skipping the Canadian portion of their route, and experiencing longer than normal delays because it takes more time for them to go through the U.S. side of the border.

CN said in the summer months the normal position of the bridge is in the open position.

It had been closed to let a train go across overnight and the malfunction occurred when the bridge operator was attempting to open it Tuesday morning. 

One train a day crosses the bridge in each direction and CN reports that this traffic will be uninterrupted. 

Clearance from underneath the bridge to the water is 12 feet with some fluctuation due to water levels.

The Canadian lock is mostly used for leisure traffic and the Lockmasters are suggesting boaters use the U.S. locks while this issue is being taken care of.

Tall boats, mostly sailboats, are being informed of the detour when they radio in prior to crossing the locks.

CN said the screw mechanism was set for a previously scheduled upgrade in the Fall and that this will still happen.