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Amount Requested: $16,320,000
The funding will be used by the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) to conduct preliminary engineering, environmental analysis, final design, and to construct the double track segment of the South Shore railroad from Beverly Shores (Mile Post 38.6) to Dune Park (Mile Post 43.7). The South Shore railroad is the only commuter railroad in Indiana. It is the longest commuter railroad in the Chicago Metropolitan area, and is the only one with nearly two-thirds of its route miles operating on a single track. The installation of this double track will eventually lead to the construction of a second track between South Bend and Gary, reducing the conflicts between eastbound and westbound passenger trains. The project will improve operating flexibility, reduce probability of delays, and increase schedule frequency. Improved operations will attract additional passengers who would otherwise drive, thereby improving air quality and lessening our dependence on foreign oil. Most importantly, the project will increase the capacity of the South Shore and improve access to Chicago. With Northwest Indiana’s population on the rise and Chicago jobs paying 39 percent more than similar jobs in Indiana, it is vitally important that efficient public transportation options are available to commuters.
Recipient Address: Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District, 33 East U.S. Highway 12, Chesterton, IN 46304 |
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