First phase of South Shore Double Track project nears finish line

The first phase of the $649 million South Shore Double Track project in northwest Indiana could open as early as this summer, according to our partners at Lakeshore Public Radio.

South Shore Line President Mike Noland told the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District board on Monday that train service between Michigan City and the Dune Park station in Chesterton is likely to resume in mid-August.

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.

Once the initial train service resumes, Noland said busing from Dune Park to the Gary Metro Center will continue.

“And we do appreciate our riders’ patience as we get through this construction cycle,” Noland said. “It’s not easy. We knew it was going to be an impact on our riders and can’t wait to get out of it.”

The entire Double Track project is slated to be complete by May 2024, adding 14 new trains to Chicago.

Meanwhile, Noland said construction on the $945 million West Lake Corridor extension project is about 25% complete. The project is an eight-mile extension of the South Shore Line from Hammond to Dyer.

Noland added despite delays in construction, the goal is to complete the West Lake project in November 2024, with service beginning in May 2025.