RDA Approves Double Tracking Funds

(file photo courtesy of The Times of Northwest Indiana)

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The Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority Board of Directors has approved an annual commitment of up to $3 million over the next 30 years to help fund the South Shore double tracking project. Construction on the $290 million project is expected to begin by 2019 and be fully operational by 2020.

The cost of the project is being shared by local governments in Lake, Porter, LaPorte and St. Joseph counties. The RDA says the commitment will stand as Lake and Porter counties’ portion.

"Having local funding in place for South Shore double tracking puts us at a significant advantage over other parts of the country that are also seeking federal matching funds for their transportation projects," says RDA Chief Executive Officer Bill Hanna.

The project will add a second full track on the existing South Shore line from Gary to Michigan City. The RDA says, combined with other improvements such as high level boarding platforms and track realignments in South Bend and Michigan City, the project will "dramatically lower travel times and improve service."