The locks closed a few hours past its deadline, which is pretty typical for the final day. This weekend's uptick in winter weather put a few ships behind schedule.
The bulk carrier Philip R. Clarke was the final ship through...heading south for northeast Ohio.
The final numbers for the season haven't been calculated, but the Lake Carriers Association is reporting that iron ore will be up at least 20% when compared to last year. And limestone will likely be down a few percentage points.
The Soo Locks will now undergo a two-month period of repairs and maintenance before opening up again on March 25th.