SAULT STE. MARIE — The Soo Locks will close to marine traffic beginning 11:59 p.m. Saturday through 12:01 a.m. March 25 to perform critical maintenance, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said in a news release.

The operating season is fixed by federal regulation and is driven in part by the feasibility of vessels operating in typical Great Lakes ice conditions.

“It is a difficult time in terms of weather to complete this work, but it keeps this important national infrastructure project operating during shipping season,” Soo Area Engineer Kevin Sprague said.