41 replies to this topic

[CNJRoss]

South Bend Tribune, 4/5/18:

Viewpoint: Finally, an answer to the South Shore mystery

 

 

The Save 10 Minutes explanation for why the South Shore wants to plow through Ardmore has been a fraud all along. After nearly half a year, the actual reason has finally emerged. The question is, Why weren’t the city and the South Shore Line honest from the start?

 

SNIP
 

Then, on Feb. 4, reporter Margaret Fosmoe tweeted about an article running in the Times of Northwest Indiana that stated that the South Shore Line announced millions of capital spending for 2018, including “relocation of the South Bend International Airport station.” Relocation from the east side of the airport to the west side, that is.

 

Finally, on March 16, The Tribune published a front-page article by Ted Booker, “Freight hub by airport?” We learn there that Schalliol (see above) claims a pair of foreign companies want to use the airport for cargo flights, bypassing congested O’Hare. And they want 400 acres for distribution centers, not just 200. Yet another study is in the works; can’t wait to see all these reports.

 

These plans must have been known before September of last year. The lynchpin of them all has been moving the station from the east side of the airport to the west side. That has been at the heart of it all, the relocation of the station. Hence, the need for a new route, through Ardmore, or wherever. Not saving 10 minutes, South Bend’s donation to the mythical 90 minute ride to Chicago. My “plan” did not call for the moving of the station.

 

More here.

 

Related:  NICTD - South Shore Line Capital Plan Totals $1.2B Over Five Year

[CNJRoss]

South Bend Tribune, 4/8/18:

South Bend mayor says study on new South Shore station will be 'worth it' despite delays

 

Five station relocation options being considered

 

 

SOUTH BEND — Having bought her rural Edison Road home 10 years ago with plans to retire there with her husband Bruce, Sue Burnett was alarmed to hear that a new South Bend Chocolate Co. heaquarters and dinosaur museum planned nearby might also serve as the South Shore Line’s new station.

 

Then came the silence, turning her worries into frustration.

 

SNIP

 

Initially the South Shore’s operator, the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District, said it wanted to move the existing local station from the east end of the South Bend International Airport to its west end, cutting a new path through the Ardmore neighborhood and taking up to 40 homes. But after intense opposition from the Ardmore community, the common council unanimously passed a resolution asking the mayor to look at alternatives, prompting the city’s redevelopment commission to hire AECOM for $125,000.

 

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[CNJRoss]

Kokomo (IN) Perspective, 11/2/18:
 

Feds approve South Shore Line's Double Track environmental work

 

 

The South Shore Line's Double Track NWI project reached a milestone Thursday when the Federal Transit Administration signed-off on the Environmental Analysis describing the project and its impact on the environment.

 

The decision came in the form of a Finding of No Significant Impact, determining "there are no significant impacts on the environment associated with the development and operation of the proposed project," which would add a second set of tracks between Gary and Michigan City, among a variety of other upgrades. A FONSI is the federal government's official thumbs-up for the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District to continue work on the project.

 

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[CNJRoss]

Progressive Railroading,7/3/19

 

 

South Shore double-track project moves forward in Indiana

 

The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) has requested entry into the engineering phase of the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) Capital Investment Grant (CIG) program for its double-track project along the South Shore Line in northwest Indiana. 

 

NICTD has already completed the development phase of CIG, which includes an environmental review and an analysis of project alternatives for installing a second mainline track from Gary to Michigan City, Indiana.

 

Continue here.

 

 

[CNJRoss]

NICTD/South Shore Line press release

 

28 Jun 2019 South Shore Double Track Project Takes Major Step Forward in Federal Grant Process

 

 

CHESTERTON, Ind. – The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD), operator of the South Shore Line railroad, has formally requested entry into the New Starts engineering phase of the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Capital Investment Grant (CIG) program for the Double Track Northwest Indiana project. The project is a priority for Governor Eric J. Holcomb, the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA) and the Indiana Finance Authority (IFA).

 

The Double Track project includes installation of a second main line track from Gary to Michigan City, Indiana. The project includes 17 miles of new track, four new bridges, station and parking improvements at five South Shore Line stations, street-running track removal, new track installation that is separated from the roadway in Michigan City and closes 21 at-grade crossings in Michigan City. These investments will deliver reliability, shorter travel times, increased frequency and enhanced safety.

 

”The Double Track project will transform the physical and economic landscape of the northwest Indiana region and catalyze growth in communities served by the South Shore Line,” said Michael Noland, NICTD President and Chief Executive Officer. “This project is uniquely positioned to move forward with federal support because our exemplary partnership model includes local and state investment.”

 

NICTD and its partners have worked closely with the FTA to deliver on the requirements for the CIG program, including:

• Selected a locally preferred alternative
• Adopted local partnership agreements into the fiscally constrained metropolitan
  transportation plan
• Completed the environmental review process
• Prepared sufficient information for FTA to develop a project rating
• Obtained commitment of at least 30 percent of the non-CIG funding
  Completed at least 30 percent design and engineering, including documentation at
  appropriate level of detail

 

NICTD and its partners continue working with state and federal partners to advance the second major commuter rail expansion project in the region—the West Lake Corridor project—an 8- mile extension of the South Shore Line from Hammond to Dyer.

 

“These projects will be game-changers for the region and the state,” said Bill Hanna, President and CEO of the RDA. “By increasing our connectivity to Chicago, the third-largest metro area in the country, commuter rail will drive job creation and economic development in northwest Indiana.”

 

According to the most recent update of the RDA’s Comprehensive Strategic Plan, the Double Track and West Lake Corridor projects may attract approximately $2.3 billion in private investment to northwest Indiana, create more than 6,000 new jobs and provide $3 billion in economic impact by 2048.

 

More information is available online at www.doubletrack-nwi.com or http://www.nictdwestlake.com.

 

 

[CNJRoss]

NICTD/South Shore Line news release:

 

11 Feb 2020   

 

NICTD announces federal transit administration approval to enter into engineering for the Double Track NWI project

 

 

The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD), operator of the South Shore Line railroad, announced today that it is able to begin the final engineering phase of the Double Track Northwest Indiana Project after receiving approval to enter the New Starts Engineering phase of the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Capital Investment Grant Program.

 

“The Double Track project will greatly reduce travel time between Northwest Indiana and Chicago – a great advantage to the region as we build economic competitiveness and attract talent,” Gov. Holcomb said. “I’m grateful for our strong partnerships at the state, local, and federal levels that have positioned this transformative project to move forward and I couldn’t be more excited to take the next steps,” he added.

 

Gov. Holcomb’s Next Level Agenda includes the Double Track Northwest Indiana Project, which spans over 26 miles from Gary to Michigan City. The project includes installation of a second mainline track, improvements at five stations, expansion of parking lots for over 1,300 new parking spaces, and 9 new platforms. Significant safety improvements will be made in Michigan City, where the rail will be separated from the roadway and 21 at-grade crossings will be closed. The project is expected to more than double existing South Shore Line ridership and reduce travel times for all riders travelling east of Gary.

 

The current state budget, which Gov. Holcomb signed into law last year, doubles the state’s investment in northwest Indiana rail by dedicating $185 million more to projects and an additional $20 million in a contingency fund. 

 

The Double Track Northwest Indiana Project is occurring in partnership with the FTA, Michigan City and LaPorte County, South Bend and St. Joseph County, Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA) and the Indiana Finance Authority (IFA), who are serving as funding partners.

 

“The FTA’s approval of NICTD’s South Shore Double Track project into the Engineering stage is an exciting step forward in the Capital Investment Grant process,” Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., said. “I will continue to work with all stakeholders to advance this project and achieve significant economic development in Northwest Indiana.”

 

“The Double Track Northwest Indiana Project is a win for Indiana and a big step forward for our public transportation system in the northwestern region,” said Sen. Mike Braun. “Thanks to bipartisan work from every level of government by Representative Visclosky, Governor Holcomb, Senator Young, Representative Walorski, our great state legislators and local leaders in our northwestern counties, as well as support from the Federal Transit Administration, the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District, Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission, Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority and the Indiana Finance Authority, this project will bring new investment, jobs, and growth to the region.”

 

“I thank Governor Holcomb, Senators Young and Braun, Rep. Walorski, our state legislators, and the public officials of LaPorte County, St. Joe County, and Michigan City,” said Rep. Pete Visclosky. “I am also grateful to Bill Hanna with the RDA and everyone at NICTD for having the vision and persistence to work hard and collaborate to help our region reach this milestone for the Double Track project. The project enhances the strength and efficiency of our entire public transportation system and further allows our regional economy to support the next generation of residents and workers.”

 

“The South Shore Double Track project will make transportation more efficient and boost economic development in South Bend and across northern Indiana, and I’m thrilled to see it move to the next phase,” said Rep. Jackie Walorski. “I look forward to continuing work with my Hoosier colleagues, Governor Holcomb, and the administration to make this investment in our region’s economic future a reality.”

 

In addition to the Double Track Northwest Indiana Project, NICTD, the RDA and the IFA will continue to work with state and federal authorities on advancing towards federal funding for the second major commuter rail expansion project in the region, the West Lake Corridor Project. The West Lake Corridor

 

Project involves construction of a new eight mile line extending from Hammond on the north to Dyer on the south, with four new stations.

 

“We are thrilled to announce that the Double Track Northwest Indiana project has reached this critical milestone in the FTA’s Capital Investment Grant program,” said Michael Noland, President and CEO of NICTD. “The continued hard work of the project team and the full support of Governor Holcomb, the Indiana General Assembly, and our Hoosier congressional delegation is reflected in reaching this critical milestone.”

 

Combined, the Double Track Northwest Indiana and West Lake Corridor Projects are projected to attract approximately $2.3 billion in private investment to northwest Indiana, and result in over 6,000 new jobs and $3 billion in economic impact by 2048.

 

“The Double Track project is critical to reducing commuting time to Chicago and activating the potential for transformational development in the region,” said Bill Hanna, President and CEO of the RDA. “Distance is measured in time, and the faster and more convenient we make it to commute from here, the greater the return on investment for the state and the taxpayers of northwest Indiana.”

 

For additional information regarding this project, we invite you to visit the project website at: http://www.doubletrack-nwi.com.

 

Click here to see the Federal Transit Administration's Fiscal Year 2021 Annual Report on Funding Recommendations.

 

 

[CNJRoss]

RT&S 6/12/20

 

Double-track project in Indiana will generate $2 billion in private investment

 

 

Northwest Indiana residents got an update on a double track project that will run between Gary and Michigan City, Ind.

 

The $420.3 million effort will include higher-speed trains that will reduce the commute time between Chicago and Michigan City to almost one hour. Work is expected to begin next year.

 

SNIP

 

Economically, the double track project is expected to help generate $2 billion in private investment along the lines over the next two decades. ...

 

More here.

[CNJRoss]

USDOT/FTA news release 8/26/20

 

U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao Announces $400 Million in Federal Funding Allocations for Four Transit Infrastructure Projects

 

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

 

Arizona, Indiana, Missouri and New Jersey Projects Receive Funding, including $248 million for Portal North Bridge Project in New Jersey

 

 

WASHINGTON – The Trump Administration today announced a total of $400 million in federal funding will be allocated by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to four transit infrastructure projects in Arizona, Indiana, Missouri and New Jersey. The projects are advancing towards readiness to receive a Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) under FTA’s Capital Investment Grants (CIG) Program. The projects must meet additional requirements in law before a grant can be awarded.

 

"This $400 million federal investment will help ensure that critical updates can be made to our country's public transit systems so they remain safe and operational," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

 

With this announcement, FTA has advanced funding for 39 new CIG projects throughout the nation under this administration since January 20, 2017, totaling approximately $9.7 billion in funding commitments.

 

"These critical rail transit infrastructure projects will help communities improve transit service as they continue to address the impacts of COVID-19 and recover from this public health emergency," said FTA Deputy Administrator K. Jane Williams.

 

The CIG Program provides funding for major transit infrastructure capital investments nationwide. Projects accepted into the program must go through a multi-year, multi-step process according to requirements in law to be eligible for consideration to receive program funds.

 

  CIG Projects Receiving Allocations  

 

 

  Phoenix AZ: Northwest Extension Phase II Project

 

The Phoenix Northwest Extension Phase II Project is a New Starts project in the Engineering phase of the CIG program. The project is a 1.5-mile extension of the Valley Metro light rail system from the existing end of line station in Northwest Phoenix to the Metrocenter Mall. FTA is allocating $50.6 million in FY 2020 CIG funds to the project.

 

 

  Gary, IN: Double Track Northwest Indiana Project

 

The Gary Double Track Northwest Indiana Project is a New Starts project in the Engineering phase of the CIG program. The project is a 26.6-mile second track on the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) South Shore commuter rail line in northern Indiana between Gary and Michigan City. FTA is allocating $50.6 million in FY 2020 CIG funds to the project.

 

 

  Kansas City, MO: Kansas City Streetcar Main Street Extension Project

 

The Kansas City Streetcar Main Street Extension project is a New Starts project that is in the Engineering phase of the CIG program. The project is a 3.5-mile extension of the Kansas City Downtown Streetcar from the existing streetcar terminus at Union Station to the University of Missouri – Kansas City. FTA is allocating $50.8 million in FY 2020 CIG funds to the project.

 

 

  Hudson County, NJ: Portal North Bridge Project

 

The Hudson County Portal North Bridge Project is a Core Capacity project in the Engineering phase of the CIG program. The project is construction of a new, two-track fixed structure railroad bridge across the Hackensack River in Hudson County, New Jersey, along the Northeast Corridor (NEC). The project will replace the existing bridge which is over 100 years old and represents a significant operational bottleneck. FTA is allocating a total of $248 million in FY 2018 and FY 2019 CIG funds to the project.

###

 

 

 

Cross-posted for each project.

[CNJRoss]

RT&S, 12/1/20

 

Work ready to crank up on first phases of Indiana’s South Shore Line Double Track project

 

 

The South Shore Line Double Track project is advancing as planned. The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District Board of Trustees approved a contract on Nov. 30 for demolition work in Michigan City.

 

Green Demolition of Chicago won the $2.7 million project, which consists of prep work for the double track project. The board also OK’d $1.2 million for the manufacture of railroad turnouts needed to advance the project.  ...

 

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[CNJRoss]

The Times, Munster, IN 12/12/20

Michigan City moving ahead with property acquisition for rail projects

 

 

This rendering shows potential upgrades to the South Shore Line at its Michigan City station on 11th Street. 

Provided

 

MICHIGAN CITY — The City Council decided to move forward with eminent domain proceedings to finish acquisition of properties required for the double-track commuter rail project, but not without pushback.

 

Two of the properties needed for the Michigan City train station and parking garage are likely to require legal intervention to finish the sale, Redevelopment Commission attorney Alan Sirinek told the council.

 

The city is buying the properties needed for the station and parking garage, while the railroad is buying other properties for the double-tracking project.

 

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