SAULT STE. MARINE, MI (WTAQ) - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says the Soo Locks will open at noon Saturday, 12 hours earlier than originally scheduled.

The opening of the locks in Sault Ste. Marie traditionally starts the Great Lakes shipping season.

The shipping industry had reportedly asked for the earlier opening due to the mild weather and lack of icy conditions on the Great Lakes.

The locks had closed January 19th. During the nine weeks they were closed the locks were put through a round of maintenance and repairs.