Efforts to expand commuter rail in Northwest Indiana took a major step forward Wednesday. Officials broke ground on the West Lake Corridor project. The eight-mile branch off of the existing South Shore Line would link Dyer and Munster to Chicago.
During Wednesday’s event in Munster, Governor Eric Holcomb said it will accelerate Northwest Indiana’s forward momentum. “It’s on track,” he said. “This is one of those all-aboard moments, not just for the Region but what it says to the rest of the state. This is truly an engine of our economy and a real model, and it’s going to connect communities in Northwest Indiana like never before.”
State officials are touting the West Lake Corridor project as the largest public transit investment in Indiana history. The $945 million estimated cost will be covered by almost $355 million in funding from the Federal Transit Administration, more than $335 million from local communities, and nearly $255 million from the state.
In a video statement, U.S. Representative Pete Visclosky said he hopes it will also lead to further expansion. “Remember that there remains a great need for service to Lowell and a southeastern route from Gary to Valparaiso. But perhaps there are better options,” he said. “Whichever is best, let us begin to prepare today, so that tomorrow, those who follow do not have to wait decades to make progress.”
Construction is scheduled to be complete in late 2024, with service to Dyer to begin in early 2025.
