Double Track

May 10, 2024

The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District’s (NICTD) Double Track Northwest Indiana Project included construction of 26.6 miles of new second track between Gary and Michigan City, Indiana, along NICTD’s existing South Shore Line. Construction began in 2021 on this $649 million major infrastructure investment in northwest Indiana. The project was one of the top priorities of the State of Indiana. The project has reached completion in May 2024 on schedule and under budget.

Elements of the project included approximately two miles of completely new right-of-way in Michigan City, platform reconfigurations at five stations, construction of 1,475 additional parking spaces, a new overhead catenary power system, and reconstruction of 22 at-grade crossings and 20 culverts. The Project greatly improved safety along the entire alignment, especially in Michigan City where the new alignment removed the street-running track, eliminated 13 grade crossings, and provided a safer environment for passengers boarding trains.

As of May 2024, construction is largely complete. 

 

The Double Track service, which includes a schedule that adds 14 new trains every weekday, went into effect on May 14, 2024.