South Shore double-track project, and a faster trip to Chicago, move closer to reality
The idea of getting to Chicago faster on the South Shore Line has taken another step toward reality with a $50.6 million boost from the Federal Transit Administration.
The FTA’s recent announcement is tantamount to an advance on the roughly 40% contribution the federal government will ultimately make to the estimated $460 million project, which was unveiled to the public about four years ago.
“This project will improve transportation options for Northwest Indiana residents traveling to downtown Chicago and surrounding areas as well as to South Bend International Airport,” said K. Jane Williams, FTA deputy administrator, in a video accompanying the announcement.
The project would include the installation of a second track in the stretch from Michigan City to Gary. The single track causes delays when maintenance is required or when freight rail is using the tracks.
Besides the new track, the project also would include new platforms at the Miller, Ogden Dunes, Dune Park, Beverly Shores and Michigan City 11th Street stations, as well as additional parking spaces and elimination of a considerable number of at-grade crossings in Michigan City.
“This cuts about 15 to 20 minutes off of the average trip,” said Andy Kostielney, president of the St. Joseph County board of commissioners and a board member of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District — operators of the South Shore.
When the work is completed, express trips between South Bend International Airport and Millennium Station in downtown Chicago could be about an hour and 45 minutes, and standard trips that take at least 2½ hours now would come closer to two hours, he said.
“The double-track project is a huge win for people here and for Chicago folks who could move here because of the shortened commuting time,” said Kostielney, adding that the South Bend airport also could benefit as its reach would be expanded to the west.
Phil Faccenda, board chairman of the South Bend Regional Chamber of Commerce, equated the rail project to improvements along U.S. 31, which created a faster and safer drive between the region and Indianapolis.
Similar to the highway project, the rail project has the capacity to improve quality of life for residents and also serve as an economic catalyst since theoretically even more people from the Chicago area would be capable of working here or other parts of northern Indiana.
Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, there already had been some movement of people and businesses from some of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas because of high taxes and quality of life issues.
And that trend has become even more pronounced as people have come to fully appreciate how much work can be done remotely while also looking for locations where they can have more living space and the ability to move around in the event of a future pandemic.
Clarence Hulse, executive director of the Michigan City Economic Development Corp., said the federal commitment means that developers will have confidence in moving ahead with projects aimed at attracting people and businesses from Chicago.
“This most definitely makes us part of Chicagoland, so to speak,” said Hulse, adding that speedier, more frequent and more reliable service helps make Michigan City more of a destination for business and people.
Beyond speeding the movement of people between Indiana and Chicago, the double track will also provide businesses here with another freight option, said Bill Schalliol, St. Joseph County economic development director.
“Our transportation connections and proximity to major population centers are big advantages,” said Schalliol. “The double-track project enhances our strengths by improving our connections.”
Beyond the double-track project, officials are still mulling plans on whether it would be best to relocate the train terminal to the west side of the airport to further reduce travel time to Chicago or to bring the end point of the line to downtown South Bend.
In the meantime, Mike Noland, South Shore president, is hopeful that construction can kick off as early as next summer with completion targeted 2023. The state and local governments will pay for the remaining 60% of the project, with the state absorbing the lion’s share.
Back in the 1970s, the railroad was almost abandoned.
“The double-track project unlocks the potential that this railroad has always had,” said Noland. “It gives us better access to Chicago and its economic engine, and it opens up our area, which can boast lower taxes, quality of life and good schools.”