Changes are coming to the South Shore Line's busing operation. Starting Monday, trains will be replaced by buses between Gary Metro Center and Carroll Avenue, as part of the railroad's Double Track project.
Buses will stop at Dune Park, Portage/Odgen Dunes and Miller, according to the regular train schedule. Michigan City 11th Street and Beverly Shores will continue to be served by a "loop bus," which runs on a separate schedule. The railroad says to expect delays of 15 to 30 minutes, and bikes will only be allowed from East Chicago west. That will continue at least until the spring.
"We are making a $650 million capital investment into this railroad, and it doesn't happen — there's no way to do it without some disruption," said Mike Noland, president of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD).
He recently told the NICTD board that the Double Track project remains on schedule, largely because the board had agreed to purchase materials ahead of time, minimizing the current supply chain issues. New track and wire are being installed between Dune Park and Michigan City, while parking lot upgrades are underway at Miller and Odgen Dunes. The Double Track project is scheduled to wrap up in May of 2024.
