The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District, operator of the South Shore Line, announced its new Monon Corridor service will be delayed.
Also known as the West Lake Project, the new service was slated to open Oct. 31. The delay is due to unexpected rework the NICTD is requiring the contractor to perform. The new estimated timeline for completion is the end of 2025.
The rework required under the NICTD’s contract with the design-builder involves the installation of proper measures to isolate low voltage current from straying from the rail corridor. The measures protect against corrosion of adjacent utilities. The new timeline is pending completion of construction, testing and commissioning. Construction is currently over 95% complete.
The South Shore Line’s new Monon Corridor extends 8 miles off its existing Lakeshore Corridor. The route spans from Hammond at the north to the Munster/Dyer border at the south. The new corridor includes four stations:
• Hammond Gateway Station – in service (near Gostlin Street and Sheffield Avenue)
• South Hammond Station (near 173rd Street and Lyman Avenue)
• Munster Ridge Station (near Ridge Road and Manor Avenue)
• Munster/Dyer Station (near Main Street and Allison Road at the Munster/Dyer border)
A public safety campaign will roll out ahead of testing to remind the general public that trains are in the area, and to be mindful and safe at all grade crossings.
The city of Hammond and town of Munster jointly applied for a Quiet Zone with the Federal Railroad Administration, which is currently under review. NICTD anticipates that the Quiet Zone will be approved by the Federal Railroad Administration.
Prior to beginning the new Monon Corridor service, the railroad will provide fact sheets and advertise to commuters how to use the new service. Five Monon Corridor trains will go to/from Chicago in the morning and evening rush hour periods, while additional shuttle trains will operate between Hammond Gateway and the Munster/Dyer Station. Shuttle train riders will transfer trains at Hammond Gateway Station to connect to or from a South Shore Line train.
The Monon Corridor timetable is currently being finalized and will be published over the coming months.
