The South Shore Line completed a significant milestone in the Double Track Northwest Indiana project. Train service will resume between Michigan City and Dune Park station Oct. 25.
Construction on the project from Gary to Michigan City began in late 2021 and is set for completion by May 2024.
The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District was awarded New Starts federal funds to build 16.9 miles of a second track along the South Shore Line between Gary and Michigan City, according to a project overview. The project was estimated to cost $649.5 million, with 30% of that cost coming from the New Starts and American Rescue Plan funds. The rest of the cost is funded by state, RDA and local funds.
The project also includes four new bridges, eight new platforms, 1,447 additional parking spaces at four stations and closure of 21 at-grade roadway rail crossings in Michigan City.
The completion of the first phase of the project will allow passengers to board trains between Carroll Avenue and Dune Park stations, according to a revised train schedule that begins Oct. 25. Travel times are estimated to decrease from 1 hour 41 minutes to 67 minutes on an express from Michigan City to Chicago.
Busing will continue between Dune Park and Gary Metro Center to allow for completion of the project, which will include 14 additional weekday trains. Find detailed updates on the project here.
The South Shore Line is a commuter rail line operated by the NICTD between Millennium Station in downtown Chicago and the South Bend International Airport in South Bend.
Caption: The double track at Beverly Shores station. (Provided by South Shore Line)
