Northwest Indiana rail improvements continue steadily
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A project to double-track the South Shore Line between Gary and Michigan City is nearing completion. Our partners at Lakeshore Public Media report the $649 million project is about 79% complete.
The section of the project from Dune Park to Michigan City is currently being tested and could reopen soon, officials said.
The Double Track project, which began last June, is adding a second rail line along a 17-mile stretch between Michigan City and Gary, reducing travel time from northwest Indiana to downtown Chicago.
Additionally, the West Lake Corridor extension of the rail line from Hammond to Dyer is being slowed down by overpasses. The local community also requested environmental remediation in North Hammond and other improvements, which have added $27 million to the cost.
Mike Noland, Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District president, told Lakeshore Public Media the whole project is about 35% complete, and he is cautiously optimistic about the May 2025 target completion.
Environmental studies and engineering work will be done on a new route to the South Bend Airport by early next year. The NICTD board also decided to amend its plan for a future extension to downtown South Bend.