South Shore Line nearing opening of first Double Track segment
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Trains could begin running on the first stretch of new track on the South Shore Line in northwest Indiana in less than two weeks, according to our partners at The Times of Northwest Indiana.
South Shore Line President Mike Noland provided an update to the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District Board of Trustees on Monday. He said the railroad has its sights set on the week of Oct. 16 to start running trains on a 14-mile stretch between Michigan City and Dune Park.
The railroad began testing the rail line in August. It’s part of the $649 million South Shore Double Track project, which is adding a second line between Michigan City and Gary with the goal of reducing commute times to Chicago by about 20 minutes.
“We have successfully completed out test runs — commissioning and testing the segment between Michigan City and Dune Park,” Noland told the board. “Everything’s been tested, everything worked out very well.”
The publication reports work between Dune Park and Gary is slated for completion this year. The railroad will then begin testing on that section and prepare for the full route to open for service as planned in May.
Noland also told the board that the $945 million West Lake Corridor extension is almost halfway complete. The project extends the South Shore Line from Gary south to Dyer and is expected to be complete in May 2025.
The NICTD is also making changes to the name of the rail line. The South Shore Line will continue to be used to describe the entire rail system.
However, the existing rail line from Hammond to Michigan City will be tentatively known as the Lakeshore Corridor, though officials are checking to see if that name is available. And, what is currently referred to as the West Lake Corridor will be known as the Monon Corridor.
You can read the full story from The Times of Northwest Indiana’s Andrew Steele by clicking here.