Double Track Northwest Indiana (DT-NWI) Project: Enhancing Rail Service on the South Shore Line

This article explores the significant improvements achieved through the Double Track Northwest Indiana (DT-NWI) project on the South Shore Line (SSL), a commuter rail service connecting Northwest Indiana with Chicago, Illinois. The project’s aims were multifaceted: to increase capacity and frequency of service, reduce travel times, improve safety, enhance station amenities, and promote economic development along the corridor. This involved a substantial investment in infrastructure upgrades, encompassing track doubling, station improvements, and the implementation of advanced safety systems. The analysis will delve into the project’s scope, implementation challenges, financial aspects, and overall impact on the region’s transportation network and the commuting experience of thousands of daily passengers. The project’s success is measured by its impact on ridership, travel times, safety improvements, and the economic benefits realized through enhanced connectivity and accessibility. This assessment aims to highlight the project’s effectiveness as a model for future rail infrastructure development projects in the United States and globally.

Project Scope and Infrastructure Improvements

The DT-NWI project fundamentally reshaped a 42.8 km (26.6 miles) stretch of the South Shore Line, running through Lake, Porter, and La Porte Counties in Indiana. The core element was the construction of a second main track, significantly increasing the line’s capacity. This involved repurposing 12.7 km (7.9 miles) of existing passing sidings, demonstrating a cost-effective approach to project implementation. Beyond track doubling, the project encompassed a wide range of improvements. A new 3.2 km (2 miles) street-running railway line was built in Michigan City, improving safety and reducing conflicts with road traffic. The project also involved the installation of a modern overhead catenary system (OCS) for electric train operation and the enhancement of 13 at-grade road/rail crossings with advanced automatic warning systems (bells, gates, and flashing lights). The construction of the new Gary/Miller station, platform upgrades at Portage/Ogden Dunes, Dune Park, and Beverly Shores Stations, and the complete rebuild of the 11th Street station in Michigan City also formed critical components of the project. Furthermore, a significant increase in parking capacity was achieved through additions at multiple stations, bringing a total of 1475 new parking spaces. This was crucial to meet the expected increase in ridership.

Station Enhancements and Accessibility

The DT-NWI project prioritized accessibility and improved passenger experience through significant station upgrades. The Gary/Miller Station received two new high-level platforms accommodating six-car trains, along with additional parking (totaling 767 spaces). The Portage/Ogden Dunes Station gained a new high-level platform (for six-car trains) and increased parking (totaling 557 spaces). Dune Park Station was upgraded with a second platform and expanded parking, while Beverly Shores Station received two new low-level platforms (for four-car trains). The 11th Street Station in Michigan City underwent a complete transformation, removing the street-running tracks and constructing a modern station building with high-level platforms (one for four-car and one for eight-car trains), a significant parking structure addition (totaling 545 new spaces), and improved accessibility compliant with the American Disabilities Act (ADA).

Funding and Project Management

The DT-NWI project was a collaborative undertaking with funding from various sources. A substantial contribution came from the US Federal Transit Administration (FTA) through its Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program ($173 million), supplemented by funds from the American Rescue Plan ($24 million). Additional funding included a Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) loan from the US Department of Transportation ($27.5 million), significant state funding from Indiana ($340 million plus), and local contributions exceeding $80 million. The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) also committed up to $30 million internally. Project management involved multiple contractors, including Walsh/Herzog (main contractor), C3M and Clark Construction (OCS installation), Larson Danielson Construction (station construction and parking), Hasse Construction (Gary-Miller station), Rieth-Riley (Dune Park parking), and Xorail (Positive Train Control). HDR provided engineering services, including environmental assessment, while Egis handled real estate and demolition aspects.

Project Outcomes and Conclusion

The DT-NWI project successfully delivered on its key objectives. The construction of the second track and related upgrades resulted in a significant increase in service frequency, adding 14 weekday trains to the SSL schedule. Travel times between Michigan City and Chicago were dramatically reduced, from 1 hour 40 minutes to 67 minutes. These improvements directly benefited commuters, reducing travel time and increasing reliability. The project enhanced safety with the removal of at-grade crossings and the implementation of advanced warning systems and Positive Train Control (PTC). The station upgrades substantially improved passenger amenities and accessibility, meeting ADA standards. The project generated substantial economic benefits through increased ridership, job creation during construction, and improved regional connectivity. The project’s success demonstrates the transformative potential of large-scale rail infrastructure investments. The comprehensive planning, efficient project management, and multi-agency collaboration played a critical role in successful completion and operation. The long-term benefits to the community extend beyond the direct improvements to the South Shore Line, impacting regional transportation networks, economic development, and the quality of life for residents. The DT-NWI project serves as a noteworthy example for future rail infrastructure projects, showcasing the considerable positive impact achievable through strategic investments and collaborative partnerships.

Project Summary Table