South Shore double track kicks off after long project

Andy Koval
·1 min read

CHESTERTON, Ind. — Tuesday was the first day of the South Shore’s new double track between Michigan City and Gary following an extensive project.

The project was approved in early 2021 and required commuters to bus between Gary and Michigan City. A double track was added between the two cities on the line, which will now provide 53 trains to and from Chicago.

Officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday to celebrate the completion of the project.

Here are some highlights of the new service, per the South Shore Line.

  • Increased origination service out of the new Miller Station and new 11th St. (Michigan City) Station.

  • Increased morning and afternoon rush hour train time options.

  • New limited-stop express train service.

  • High-level platform ADA access at 11th St., Portage/Ogden Dunes, and Miller train stations.

  • Bikes on Trains has been expanded to include all trains, all year long, at existing bike stations. With the completion of Double Track and conclusion of long-term busing substitution, the following stations are now also bike stations: 11th St., Portage/Ogden Dunes, and Miller.

“The final completion of Double Track allows for the addition of 14 weekday trains, revised times, reduced travel times and new, limited-stop express service,” said President Michael Noland. “In addition to new weekday trains, portions of weekend train times have also been modified to reflect improved travel times.”

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The new limited-stop express train service will offer the following travel times to Chicago, according to the South Shore Line.

  • Michigan City – 67 min.

  • Dune Park – 57 min.

  • Portage/Ogden Dunes – 51 min.

  • Gary (Miller) – 46 min.

  • South Bend – 109 min.

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