MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. — South Shore Line commuter trains began operation on the first portion of the Double Track project between Gary and Michigan City on Wednesday, with trains running between Michigan City and the Dune Park station in Chesterton for the first time in more than a year.
The resumption of rail service between those stations also marked the reopening of the 11th Street station in downtown Michigan City, closed since May 2021 to allow for the double-track construction. The original 11th station building, dating to 1927, was torn down last year. It had been closed since 1987.
Passengers will continue to be bused between Dune Park and the Gary Metro station until the rest of the Double Track project is completed next year. Updated schedules are available here.
Would be interested in seeing some updates on the South Shore Westlake Line. All new line under construction down to Dyer, Indiana.
Last time I drove through they were laying ballast and new rail. Lots of bridges going up.
If it’s a new double track line why is the platform between the racks and only accessible from the one track?
Good question. Why isn’t this done as an an “island” platform rather than have two platforms? Perhaps Trains could ask NICTD top management.
Looking at photos of the existing station which appears to be fairly new, it was probably much more cost effective to bulid one new platform than to raze the old one for an island platform.
What is the purpose of the middle rail?
Interesting question about the “third rail” (?)
If you look closeli you see the ties extend towards the platform. There are actually four rails there. The extra two rails are for a gantlet track to allow freight trains to pass through the station.
The South Shore Line/NICD, which continues its steady progress, deserves praise.
Dr. Güntürk Üstün