South Shore Line gets $173M upgrade in Indiana

Railroad tracks Photo credit Getty Images

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Construction is now underway on a rail project known as the South Shore Double Track Project.

The $173 million project will add nearly 18 miles of new track to a 26-mile stretch along the existing South Shore Line between Gary and Michigan City.

The project will also include replacing some current tracks on 10th and 11th streets as well as a new overheard contact system and platform upgrades at five stations and more than 1,400 parking spaces.

State officials say the project will increase train frequency and drastically reduce travel time on the South Shore Line.

Construction is expected to finish in early 2024.