HAMMOND – Indiana Governor Mike Braun was joined today by federal, state, regional, and local leaders to officially cut the ribbon, paving the way for the commencement of new service on the South Shore Line’s Monon Corridor service.
Combined, the Double Track and West Lake Corridor projects are projected to attract approximately $2.7 billion in private investment to Northwest Indiana and result in over 6,000 new jobs and $5 billion in economic impact by 2048. Nearly $800 million in economic development is already underway on both project corridors, at the beginning of this new service.
“The West Lake Corridor Project on the South Shore Line sets the table for massive future growth opportunities supporting the economic engine in northwest Indiana, creating jobs and helping to revitalize this region of our state,” said Governor Braun. “Projections suggest that these projects will return $2 for every $1 of state investment, and I believe we will exceed these returns. The State of Indiana, and the Region, is open for business.”
The efficient, under-budget management of the West Lake Corridor Project will save tens of millions of taxpayer dollars.
This improvement is part of one of the largest public transit investments in Indiana’s history, a companion to the double-tracking of the South Shore Line from Michigan City to Gary. This project was championed by Governor Braun when he was part of the United States Senate and adds an 8-mile line extension off the South Shore Line’s Lakeshore Corridor running from north Hammond to the Munster/Dyer border, which will help revitalize the Northwest Indiana region and create jobs.
This line extension will deliver brand new rail service options to South Shore Line riders from western Lake County with 5 one-seat weekday trips during the morning rush hours to Chicago and 5 one-seat trips during the evening rush hours from Chicago to the Munster/Dyer Station, plus hourly shuttle train service along the Monon Corridor that will transfer service to the Lakeshore Corridor at the Gateway Station in the off-peak, evenings and weekends to and from Chicago.
“The enthusiasm and excitement we are hearing from our riders for the start of this new service this month is incredible,” said Michael Noland, president emeritus of the South Shore Line. “Reviving long-lost passenger service on the historic Monon Corridor Line is the dream of many people coming true. When you combine our one-seat train service with our shuttle trains on the Monon Corridor connecting to the Lakeshore Corridor at Gateway Station, it means that this new line will offer a full-service schedule to our riders from day one of operations. We can’t thank our funding partners at the state and local levels enough, as well as our friends from the FTA; we all worked as a team every step of the way to ensure this vital project finished on time and under budget. And of course, we are deeply thankful to Governor Braun, former Governor Holcomb, and our local, state, and federal delegation for their support and leadership to get us to this great day.”
“As head of the organization that put together the funding for this project, and was subsequently charged with its financial oversight, the words ‘under budget’ are music to my ears,” said Sherri Ziller, President and CEO of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA). “This is an historic investment that will change the face of Northwest Indiana. Many of Chicago’s suburbs have seen strong and enduring real estate development around Metra rail stations. The double tracking of the Lakeshore corridor and the creation of the Monon line are already providing the catalyst for similar development in Hammond, Michigan City, and elsewhere in the region. The development that this train is bringing and will bring in the years to come will create a stronger, more economically vibrant, and more desirable Northwest Indiana. Our thanks to Governor Braun, former governors Eric Holcomb and Mike Pence, and to all the state and local officials who have supported us along the way.”
“This is an important and positive step for northwest Indiana and our entire state,” said Senator Todd Young. “I have long supported funding for the South Shore Line, and the completion of this and other Northwest Indiana infrastructure projects will benefit Hoosiers for years to come. Projects like the West Lake Corridor show how public-private partnerships can deliver big results, enhancing safety and regional connectivity.”
“This project will generate billions in economic impact for hardworking Hoosiers,” said Congressman Rudy Yakym. “We can point to the South Shore Line as proof that when federal, state, and local partners work together, we deliver. This is a win for Northwest Indiana, and yet another reason the Hoosier State is the best place in America to live, work, build a business, and raise a family.”
“Thank you to Governor Braun, our federal, state, local partners, and NICTD and the RDA for this successful collaboration on the largest investment in our transportation infrastructure since the Borman Expressway,” said Congressman Frank Mrvan. “Let’s not lose this momentum and continue working together, across all levels of government, to strengthen regional connectivity and secure the next generation of transformational investments to grow our economy.”
