Walsh Construction and Herzog Complete $650M South Shore Line Double-Track Project

Gary, Indiana - Walsh Construction, in partnership with Herzog, celebrated alongside Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb and the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District the successful culmination of the $650 million South Shore Line Double-Track Project. The project's completion was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the newly upgraded Miller Station in Gary, Indiana, a significant stop along the newly expanded 16.9-mile corridor.

Initiated in early 2022, the Walsh/Herzog joint venture undertook a two-phase endeavor to enhance the South Shore Line rail corridor with new double tracks spanning from Gary to Michigan City, Indiana. This expansion aims to improve safety across the route by eliminating street-running tracks and 20 at-grade crossings, ensuring a safer environment for commuters. Additionally, the upgraded infrastructure promises reduced travel times from Michigan City to Chicago, cutting down the commute from 1 hour and 40 minutes to approximately 67 minutes.

The project was completed on schedule and under budget, allowing for an increase of 14 weekday trains on the South Shore Line. Significant upgrades were also delivered at the Miller, Portage/Ogden Dunes, and Michigan City stations, alongside the construction of four new bridges, 22 at-grade crossings, and 20 culverts.

Phase one, which included double tracking between Dune Park and Michigan City, concluded in October 2023. Phase two, extending the double tracks from Dune Park to Gary, achieved substantial completion in early 2024, with test train operations commencing in February and revenue service resuming in April 2024.

Governor Holcomb remarked, “The completion of the Double Track project is a milestone marking the beginning of transformational changes in the region. Better, faster, and more reliable train service to and from Chicago is already bringing new residents and new growth to Northwest Indiana. Everyone who has helped get us to this point has my deepest thanks. We have done something special here that will impact Northwest Indiana for generations to come.”