A plan to build a second track that will allow for more frequent passenger rail service between northwest Indiana and Chicago received a key federal approval with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) issuing a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) on Nov. 1 for the project.
FTA issued the FONSI based on the Environmental Assessment for the Double Track NWI (DT-NWI) project and gives the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) a green light to continue development of the project. The DT-NWI project will construct a second track between Virginia Street in Gary, Ind., and E. Michigan Boulevard in Michigan City, Ind., realign the South Shore Line along 10th and 11th Streets in Michigan City and close 21 at-grade crossings. It would also enhance the Gary/Miller, Portage/Ogden Dunes, Dune Park, Beverly Shores, and 11th Street (Michigan City) Stations.
Not only will the project bring more frequent service along the South Shore Line, but NICTD says it will also reduce travel time, improve safety and expand connectivity between northwest Indiana and Chicago; all expectations the transportation district anticipates having to meet as ridership on its South Shore Line continues to grow.
“The team at NICTD has worked hard to minimize the project’s impact on the natural and human environment for the past two years,” said Michael Noland, president of South Shore Line. “We are thrilled to reach this critically important milestone and advance the project in the Capital Investment Grant process with the FTA.”
NICTD explains that the FONSI outlines the determinations and findings of the environmental analysis in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and includes information about the selection and modification of the preferred alternative, analysis of impacts, environmental commitments and responses to public comments.
The FONSI is available for review on the project website.
