Plans for resuming train service on the full South Shore Line are expected at Monday’s Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District meeting.
Michael Noland, the railroad’s president, said he expects to announce when trains will begin running again between Michigan City and Gary.
Train service on that part of the railroad has been disrupted since late February 2022, when construction work on the Double Track project began in Michigan City.
Buses began carrying South Shore Line passengers between downtown Gary and Michigan City’s Carroll Avenue station then, stopping at stations along the way.
The current South Shore Line schedule, available online, includes time added because of the busing.
After Double Track construction between Michigan City and the Dune Park station was completed last October, buses have been running between Gary and Dune Park.
Noland added that enhanced South Shore Line service resulting from the Double Track project — including more trains, and notably faster ones – won’t begin until after the service’s official ribbon-cutting ceremony later this spring.
Monday’s NICTD meeting is to begin at 10:30 a.m. at the railroad’s office building, adjacent to the Dune Park station in Chesterton.
Tim Zorn is a freelance writer for the Post-Tribune.