Federal Funding Finalized for South Shore Double Track Project

Taking the South Shore Line to Chicago may soon be bit quicker. A $491 million project to double-track the railroad between Michigan City and Gary will be able to get underway.

The Federal Transit Administration and the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District signed a Full Funding Grant Agreement Thursday, according to Governor Holcomb’s office. It provides nearly $173 million in federal funding, in addition to the state and local money already committed.

The project will also take trains off the streets of Michigan City, removing 21 grade crossings in the process. Other planned improvements include additional parking and new station platforms.