Projects in Indiana
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This Page Will Be Updated January 2013
Indianapolis-Louisville
The MWRRI and the Indiana Department of Transportation have studied a possible rail link between Indianapolis and Louisville, KY. This route would connect Louisville with the Midwest rail network and provide greater access to southern Indiana.
Chicago-Indianapolis-Cincinnati
The MWRRI would like to build a high-speed rail link between Chicago and Cincinnati via Indianapolis. This proposed route would represent an upgrade over the current service and would better connect Indiana to the proposed Ohio Hub Network.
Indiana Gateway
$71.4 million of stimulus funds will be used to upgrade 29.3 miles of track from the Illinois-Indiana state line to the city of Porter. Improving Porter Junction will allow for better service between Chicago and destinations in Ohio and Michigan.
Commuter Rail Indianapolis
Indianapolis plans to build its first commuter rail line. Within five years, there will be regular service along 17 miles of track between Indianapolis and Fishers. The city also plans to build two more lines by 2025. The three projects are estimated to cost a combined $1.2 billion. Right now, the main goal is to use the initial line as a catalyst for future commuter rail expansion.
Bloomington-Indianapolis-Muncie
In a 2008 study, INDOT explored the feasibility of commuter rail connecting Bloomington and Muncie to Indianapolis. This project has yet to proceed any further.
Evansville Passenger Train
State Senator Dennis Avery (D-Evansville), had provisions for a $300,000 feasibility study of passenger rail service from Chicago to Evansville added to Senate Bill 374 (early 2009). The bill passed in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Unfortunately, budget cuts have since sidelined this project for the foreseeable future.
South Shore Line expansion – Munster/Dyer and Beyond
Northern Indiana officials are attempting to locate funding for a proposed extension of the South Shore line to the Munster and Dyer area. To receive federal funding, this project now needs to gain financial support from local communities. In the future, there are plans to extend this line to Lowell as well as to build a new extension to Valparaiso. Expansion of this line will connect Northern Indiana to jobs and opportunities in Chicago.
Track Rerouting in South Bend and Michigan City
There are now two proposals for rerouting tracks on the South Shore line in both South Bend and Michigan City. These projects will allow for faster, more direct travel between Northern Indiana and Chicago.
