South Shore Line Launches Double Track NWI Project

South-Shore-Line-Launches-Double-Track-NWI-ProjectThe South Shore Line, in cooperation with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), has begun an exciting new project that is certain to benefit the region: the Double Track Northwest Indiana (NWI) project.

South Shore Line’s trains currently operate mostly on a single track between Gary and Michigan City. With Double Track NWI, a second track will be installed along the 25.1-mile stretch between these cities. The South Shore Line is an integral component of Northwest Indiana’s transportation system and double tracking will provide a more competitive transportation option between NWI and Chicago. These proposed improvements will enhance the region’s connectivity by providing faster, more frequent, and more reliable rail service.

“This area is the best-kept secret. Making Chicago workplaces accessible is key. We believe double tracking the South Shore will reshape the economic landscape from Hammond to South Bend by reducing travel times to Chicago, improving reliability, and increasing train frequencies. Narrowing travel times allows us to unlock the region and we become the newest suburb of Chicago,” said Michael Noland, President of the South Shore Line. “Throughout the country municipalities have seen this type of public infrastructure investments spur new private sector investment in and around the affected communities.”

The South Shore Line will also improve five of its station platforms and increase safety by separating the tracks that are in the street in Michigan City from the roadway. At Gary-Miller Station and 11th Street Station in Michigan City, new station layouts will enhance economic development opportunities.

Preliminary engineering and environmental review have begun and the public will play an integral role in the overall process. There will be multiple opportunities throughout the process for the public to learn more and provide insight on how the proposed improvements may affect their communities.

Three public workshop sessions will be held throughout the corridor on October 4-6, 2016 to offer citizens an opportunity to learn about existing conditions and potential improvements on the South Shore Line and to provide feedback. Public workshop session dates and locations can be found at http://www.mysouthshoreline.com/news.

The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District, the operator of the South Shore Line, is applying for Core Capacity federal funds administered by FTA for a portion of the project. Additional funding sources will be evaluated and pursued.

Tuesday, October 4th
Miller Beach Arts & Creative District / Marshall J. Gardner Center for the Arts
540 S Lake St.
Gary, IN 46403
6:00 to 7:30 pm
Presentation at 6:15

Wednesday, October 5th
Indiana Dunes Visitor Center
1215 N. State Road 49
Porter, IN 46304
6:00 to 7:30 pm
Presentation at 6:15

Thursday, October 6th
Michigan City – City Hall
100 E Michigan Blvd.
Michigan City, IN 46360
6:00 to 7:30 pm
Presentation at 6:15