Plan Drawing of Double Track Extension to Michigan City in

Doubling Down – $491M S Shore Line Rails Projection is Rolling

For more than ten years, one of the biggest transportation goals for Northwest Indiana has been the expansion of the South Shore Line railroad into a double tracked organization. At present, that goal is finally coming to fruition thanks to a unique combination of federal, state, and local dollars. Earlier this spring, construction began on what could be one of the region's most economically impactful transportation efforts.

Projection Scope

The double tracking project, which is officially called Double Track Northwest Indiana (NWI), involves quite a bit of varied elements throughout its construction. Overall, the work spans more 26 miles from Gary to Michigan City, IN. A full project map is available here.

First and foremost, the existing unmarried runway rail volition be doubled. This will accept a big bear upon on commuters. Officials projection that peak menses limited trains running forth the doubled mainline track will reduce travel times between Michigan Metropolis and Millennium Park in Chicago by 33 minutes. Trains volition arrive more ofttimes for passengers too.

Numerous related construction projects volition be taking shape along the stretch of new tracking, including improvements at five stations, expansion of parking lots for over 1,300 new parking spaces, and nine new platforms.

Some of the most significant work will be happening in Michigan City where major rubber improvements are planned. Today, the rails are set in the roadway as a street-running track. This is going to be changed. The tracks will be separated from the roadway and 21 at-grade crossings volition be closed. The former system will be replaced with two new, separated ballasted tracks.

All in all, the project is expected to more than double existing S Shore Line ridership and reduce travel times for all riders travelling east of Gary. Work is underway already and is expected to be completed in 2024.

"Past improving driver rails through the region, the project is a game changer for northwest Indiana and the unabridged state," Governor Eric Holcomb said. "Double tracking the Southward Shore Line will connect Hoosiers, concenter talent and business, and increase quality of life in our great Indiana communities."

A Funding Coalition

The South Shore Line double tracking projection is unique because it involves a broad partnership that is not typically seen on commuter rail infrastructure efforts. Federal, land, regional, city, and canton entities are all involved.

Partners include the Federal Transit Administration, Michigan Urban center and LaPorte County, Southward Bend and St. Joseph County, the Indiana General Assembly, Indiana's congressional delegation, Governor Holcomb's part, the Northwest Indiana Regional Evolution Authority (RDA), Regional Cities of Northern Indiana, and the Indiana Finance Authority (IFA) – the latter 2 of which are the cardinal funding partners.

The total project is expected to cost about $491 million. Almost $173 one thousand thousand originally came from the Federal Transit Administration'south Capital Investment Grant program, with another $24.5M provided recently every bit part of the American Rescue Programme. The state has committed upward to $200 meg and local entities take partnered to commit well-nigh $110 million.

"[This] highlights what all of our dedicated leaders tin can reach on behalf of our region when we work together. This pregnant investment in our transportation infrastructure will create new good-paying jobs and positive, collective economic impact throughout our entire region," Congressman Frank Mrvan said.

$iii Billion Projected Economical Impact

The Double Track NWI project is closely linked to another major rail infrastructure project belonging to the S Shore line called the West Lake Corridor Project. The Westward Lake Corridor is a totally new commuter railway that will extend north to southward from Hammond to Dyer, IN.

Combined, the 2 rail efforts are projected to attract approximately $ii.3 billion in individual investment to Northwest Indiana. This is expected to consequence in over half dozen,000 new jobs and a $3 billion in economical impact by 2048.

Greater Connectivity, Greater Opportunity

Northwest Indiana does lag behind our neighboring Chicagoland region to the west when it comes to commuter rail access. So whatsoever and all expansions to our systems volition certainly bring about positive economic benefits and will atomic number 82 to a more than prosperous future for the region. Greater connectivity brings well-nigh greater opportunity, and now that the South Shore Line will soon become doubled we're sure to be seeing large things emerge surround the new railways for years to come.

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Double Track NWI Projection Partners

• Owner: South Shore Line / Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation Commune (NICTD)
• Construction Manager: WSP Usa, $17.1M.
• Contractor: Larson-Danielson Construction, Michigan Urban center 11th Street Station/Garage/Retail, $16.7M.
• Contractor: Hasse Construction Co., Gary Miller Station Building and Due east Parking Lot, $4.1M.
• Contractor: Rieth-Riley Construction Co., Dune Park Station East Parking Lot Expansion, $440,000.
• Technology and Design: AECOM Technical Services, $13.4M.
• Program Management: HDR Engineering, $5.2M.
• Project Administrative Services: Lakeshore Engineering, $2M.
• Real Manor Conquering and Relocation Services: Beam, Longest & Neff, $8M.
• Demolition: Lee Construction Services, Inc., Green Sabotage Contractors, Inc., $3.5M.

Sources: NICTD

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Source: https://buildingindiana.com/doubling-down-491m-south-shore-line-rail-project-is-rolling/

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