LAPORTE — The federal government has approved the final engineering phase of the South Shore Double Track Northwest Indiana project, paving the way for faster service from South Bend to Chicago.

The 26-mile Double Track project spans Michigan City to Gary. It includes installing a second mainline track, improvements at five stations, 1,300 new parking spaces and nine new platforms.

In Michigan City, the rail will be separated from the road. Additionally, 21 at-grade crossings will be closed. These changes will shorten the trip from South Bend to Chicago to roughly 1 hour 45 minutes.

Double track construction is set to begin around the summer of 2021.

Source: WNDU