South Shore Double Track

Anything pertaining to railfanning in Indiana.
User avatar
justalurker66
Railroadfan...fan
Posts: 1964
Joined: Tue Feb 15, 2011 2:51 am

Re: South Shore Double Track

Unread post by justalurker66 »

Here is Metra''s project page ...
https://metra.com/VanBurenStationProject

"Construction focused on certain below-grade station platform and track improvements, which are NICTD project components, are expected to begin in 2023."

User avatar
justalurker66
Railroadfan...fan
Posts: 1964
Joined: Tue Feb 15, 2011 2:51 am

Re: South Shore Double Track

Unread post by justalurker66 »

A quick trip on Saturday ...
A few feet of rail has been added near the end of Bailey North freight.
20230128-MineralSprings.jpg
The support for the control box for the platform lights and signs at Beverly Shores has been errected.
20230128-BeverlyShores.jpg
I managed to get a less blurry picture from Washington St in Michigan City.
20230128-11thSt-Washington.jpg
A few more crossing signals set in place. No new signals activated.

The "left hand" crossover at Tamarack has been put in place. Once ballast work is complete this will complete the new universal crossover at what was "East Tamarack". No further work seen at Dune Park or Tremont.

User avatar
justalurker66
Railroadfan...fan
Posts: 1964
Joined: Tue Feb 15, 2011 2:51 am

Re: South Shore Double Track

Unread post by justalurker66 »

Two multi-million-dollar construction projects that represent an approximately $1.5 billion investment to the South Shore Line are on schedule, according to officials from the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District. South Shore Line President Michael Noland told the board that the double-tracking of the line from Michigan City to Gary is on track for full revenue service to begin in about 16 months.

Noland says the railroad aims to restart train service between Michigan City and Dune Park this summer and shift the focus of work o the $649 million Double Track project to the Dune Park to Gary Metro Center stretch.

“There’s activity now underway to set the stage to complete that work next November, and then we go into commissioning and testing of the line with the goal and expectation that we open up for revenue service in May of 2024,” Noland said.

NICTD’s other project, the $949 million West Lake Corridor extension, continues on schedule for a May 2025 opening. Noland says current work is focused in Hammond, the northern end of an eight-mile line that will terminate at the Munster-Dyer town line. He says an estimated 15% to 20% of the project is complete, with substantial completion scheduled for fall 2024 and full revenue service in May 2025.


The board also heard a report on South Shore ridership, which is still down by more than half from pre-pandemic levels. Just over 1.4 million passengers rode the rails in 2022, as compared to almost 3.3 million in 2019.

NICTD says ridership has been slow to recover from the pandemic as a percentage of former commuters are now able to work remotely. The South Shore says ridership has also been impacted by the Double Track project which resulted in bus service between the train stations closed by the Double Track project.


https://www.insideindianabusiness.com/a ... -deadlines

User avatar
justalurker66
Railroadfan...fan
Posts: 1964
Joined: Tue Feb 15, 2011 2:51 am

Re: South Shore Double Track

Unread post by justalurker66 »

20230204-11thSt-Westbound.jpg
Looking west along 11th St from Franklin St. The dividing wall between tracks and 11th St curves north (with the fence on top) just beyond Tennessee St. Amtrak can be seen approaching the diamonds in the distance.
20230204-11thSt-Station1.jpg
At the 11th St station the eastbound signals are in place for the gauntlet tracks.
20230204-11thSt-Station2.jpg
The roof on the track 1 platform is also in place.

User avatar
justalurker66
Railroadfan...fan
Posts: 1964
Joined: Tue Feb 15, 2011 2:51 am

Re: South Shore Double Track

Unread post by justalurker66 »

20230204-11thSt-Station3.jpg
At the end of the track 1 platforms the lights are in place that will light the sidewalk.
20230204-11thSt-Station4.jpg
The warming shelters are taking shape on the track 2 platform.
20230204-11thSt-Station5.jpg
A closer look at the fence and the wall separating 11th St from the tracks.

User avatar
justalurker66
Railroadfan...fan
Posts: 1964
Joined: Tue Feb 15, 2011 2:51 am

Re: South Shore Double Track

Unread post by justalurker66 »

Headed west ...
20230204-CP43-9-WaverlyRd1.jpg
CP 43.9 is being constructed at Waverly Rd just west of the Dune Park station. Looking east toward Dune Park from Waverly Rd the new crossover is nearing completion.
20230204-CP43-9-WaverlyRd2.jpg
Looking west from Waverly Rd what will be the turnout serving the freight yard is in place. The two passenger mains will run south of the existing main (left track in distance) and new north freight track (right track under construction). The cut tracks in the foreground are the old main track.
20230204-Miller.jpg
On the east end of Gary progress has been made on the Miller Station .

User avatar
justalurker66
Railroadfan...fan
Posts: 1964
Joined: Tue Feb 15, 2011 2:51 am

Re: South Shore Double Track

Unread post by justalurker66 »

One more at the end of the day ... the curve at the west end of 11th St (from the Ohio St crossing).
20230204-11thSt-OhioSt.jpg

User avatar
Saturnalia
Authority on Cat
Posts: 15385
Joined: Wed Sep 28, 2011 7:54 pm
Location: Michigan City, IN
Contact:

Re: South Shore Double Track

Unread post by Saturnalia »

One thing I noticed about the new EB Signals at the 11th Street station is that the one for Track 2 is hidden behind the poles for approaching trains - it is hard to see from Wabash or Washington. We’ll see how it ends up being from the cab, but it may be one of those that crews won’t get a good look at ahead of time. Of course, PTC alleviates a lot of that, but it still would have been better to have it south of Main 2. But I don’t think there’s room for the Track 1 signal to be south of Track 1 either.
Thornapple River Rail Series - YouTube
Safety today is your investment for tomorrow

User avatar
justalurker66
Railroadfan...fan
Posts: 1964
Joined: Tue Feb 15, 2011 2:51 am

Re: South Shore Double Track

Unread post by justalurker66 »

There is probably room for a signal south of the tracks but not the maintainer. I believe the person in the right seat of the cab will be able to see that hidden signal from Wabash St - unless they are running long nose forward on a diesel. PTC will help the crew see if they got an upgrade.

The troublesome scenario would be being on track 2 and having an Approach aspect when crossing Amtrak. Proceed prepared to stop at the next signal. Freight 25 MPH, passenger 45 MPH. Hoping for an upgrade so they don't have to block Wabash and Washington.

I expect most times the train will get a Clear or Approach Diverging at the Amtrak diamond and Approach Diverging or Diverging Approach Diverging at the gauntlet (on track 2). They would see Approach or Diverging Approach if CP 33.3 near Michigan Ave will stop them. Anything better than an Approach (Clear or Approach Diverging) at the Amtrak diamond and the crew will be able to proceed past the platform and that hidden signal will only be important to let the crew know what to do after the station.

h2466
Railroadfan...fan
Posts: 102
Joined: Sun Jan 05, 2014 1:57 pm
Location: Willshire Oh.

Re: South Shore Double Track

Unread post by h2466 »

Thanks for sharing all the updates, I really enjoy the MOW post.
Ken.

User avatar
justalurker66
Railroadfan...fan
Posts: 1964
Joined: Tue Feb 15, 2011 2:51 am

Re: South Shore Double Track

Unread post by justalurker66 »

This week's highlight in Michigan City - Catenary!
Most of the wire has been strung and crews are working on finishing the installation of the constant tension catenary through Michigan City. The segment crossing Amtrak 10th St is complete as far as Willard St. The segment along 11th St still has some work to be done with the hangers.
20230211-11thSt-Station.jpg
At the station ... where part of the dividing wall has been removed.
20230211-11thSt-WabashSt-EB.jpg
At Wabash St looking east. (Note the track 2 signal Saturnalia mentioned last week is obstructed.)
20230211-11thSt-WabashSt-WB.jpg
At Wabash St looking west.
Last edited by justalurker66 on Sun Feb 12, 2023 8:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.

User avatar
justalurker66
Railroadfan...fan
Posts: 1964
Joined: Tue Feb 15, 2011 2:51 am

Re: South Shore Double Track

Unread post by justalurker66 »

Back at 11th St Station the motors are in place for the switches (three out of four installed - these two are on the east end of the platform).
20230211-11thSt-Gauntlet.jpg
Over in Gary the embankment for the second rail and grading for the new layover yard. This is on the east side of Lake St just north of the McDonalds and the new east parking lot for the Miller station.
20230211-Miller1.jpg
20230211-Miller2.jpg

User avatar
justalurker66
Railroadfan...fan
Posts: 1964
Joined: Tue Feb 15, 2011 2:51 am

Re: South Shore Double Track

Unread post by justalurker66 »

At Beverly Shores - two way communications between passengers and the railroad. Speakers and electronic signs to communicate to passengers on the platforms, and a call button and beacon to signal the trains to stop. Both sides of the track have one of these signs.
20230212-BeverlyShores1.jpg
Looking west from Beverly Shores, can you see what is hiding behind the catenary pole lines?
20230212-BeverlyShores2.jpg
Here is a closer look ... the new intermediate signal between Beverly Shores and Tremont (about 4/10 of a mile west of Beverly Shores). The old intermediate signal was about a mile further west (west of Kemil Rd).
20230212-BeverlyShores3.jpg

User avatar
justalurker66
Railroadfan...fan
Posts: 1964
Joined: Tue Feb 15, 2011 2:51 am

Re: South Shore Double Track

Unread post by justalurker66 »

Michigan City ... a little more work on the catenary and station platforms ...
20230219-11thSt-Station1.jpg
The north side of the platform where the station will be built.
20230219-11thSt-Station2.jpg
Warning signs posted along the line where catenary work is underway.
20230219-11thSt-Station3.jpg

User avatar
justalurker66
Railroadfan...fan
Posts: 1964
Joined: Tue Feb 15, 2011 2:51 am

Re: South Shore Double Track

Unread post by justalurker66 »

It appears that Tremont is being moved west closer to the Dune Park station platform. This is the crossover from track 1 to track 2 eastbound just east of the gauntlet turnout. The signal in the background is the former eastbound signal at East Tremont.
20230219-Tremont.jpg
At Mineral Springs Rd (Dune Acres) Bailey north is no longer connected to the main line. The extension to Waverly Rd is complete.
20230219-MineralSprings.jpg
At Miller platform supports are being placed and the new station building is progressing. This is the view looking east from beyond the west end of the station.
20230219-Miller.jpg

User avatar
MrAnderson
Railroadfan...fan
Posts: 86
Joined: Thu Jun 25, 2020 1:44 pm

Re: South Shore Double Track

Unread post by MrAnderson »

Is there a particular reason for having the platform--track--platform--track station layout? Not a layout you see very much.

Thinking about Hammond, Hegewisch and now Michigan City.

The only reasoning I can think is it has to do with platform width and existing track spacing? But if they're building it new they couldn't they move the tracks?

User avatar
justalurker66
Railroadfan...fan
Posts: 1964
Joined: Tue Feb 15, 2011 2:51 am

Re: South Shore Double Track

Unread post by justalurker66 »

In general NICTD puts the platform on the parking lot side of each track. East Chicago and Gary Metro have island platforms but they are elevated on an embankment and passengers enter the platform from stairs or an elevator between the tracks.

Having the platform on the parking lot side of the track means that passengers do not need to cross the track that their train is on to get to or from the parking lot. At Michigan City, the main platform will be accessible from both ends and three other locations along the north side where the majority of the parking will be located. The second platform (between the tracks) will have access from both ends but as people leave the train or arrive late to board they will not be crossing the track the train is on.

So far the exception will be Ogden Dunes where the new high level platform will be on the south side of the tracks. NICTD has also built a new parking lot south of the tracks. (The current setup had walkways for passengers to board any train stopped on Track 1 while crossing Track 2.) Dune Park will have a short low level platform on the wrong side of the tracks but it will not be heavily used. Beverly Shores will also have two short low level platforms.

User avatar
Saturnalia
Authority on Cat
Posts: 15385
Joined: Wed Sep 28, 2011 7:54 pm
Location: Michigan City, IN
Contact:

Re: South Shore Double Track

Unread post by Saturnalia »

justalurker66 wrote:
Mon Feb 20, 2023 7:08 pm
In general NICTD puts the platform on the parking lot side of each track. East Chicago and Gary Metro have island platforms but they are elevated on an embankment and passengers enter the platform from stairs or an elevator between the tracks.

Having the platform on the parking lot side of the track means that passengers do not need to cross the track that their train is on to get to the parking lot.
To expand upon this, the railroad does not want customers running (late) to their train to take risks by crossing ahead of the train, even if the train *should* be stopping short of the crosswalk. This problem simply does not exist when people de-train, because the train is already there, and likely pulling out before the pedestrians get to the end of the platform. Additionally, people are much less likely to run from the train to their car versus from their car to the train when they're showing up at the last minute.

However the parking-side also means that most people getting off the train don't need to cross the track they're arriving on, either, assuming they are commuting in the prevailing direction. For example, people at Hegewisch and Hammond board and alight with their train away from where they most likely parked. Same will be true at Miller and 11th Street.

Lastly, island platforms are perhaps more risky because both sides don't have railings, versus at least one on the typical one-sided platform. It's not often an issue but if two express trains meet at the platform it's not really ideal. Typically people will stand or lean against the railings for passing trains, which is safer.

All of this also minimizes the walk for passengers.

It's all a win-win.
Thornapple River Rail Series - YouTube
Safety today is your investment for tomorrow

User avatar
MrAnderson
Railroadfan...fan
Posts: 86
Joined: Thu Jun 25, 2020 1:44 pm

Re: South Shore Double Track

Unread post by MrAnderson »

Makes sense, thanks!

User avatar
justalurker66
Railroadfan...fan
Posts: 1964
Joined: Tue Feb 15, 2011 2:51 am

Re: South Shore Double Track

Unread post by justalurker66 »

The catenary from Willard Ave east seems to be complete. This week I'll focus my camera on locations to the west.

First, at Dune Park. No drone, just a decent camera shooting from the SR 49 overpass. At the east end of the platform is the end of the gauntlet on track 1 (no gauntlet rails yet) and the turnout for a left hand crossover to track 2.
20230226-DunePark.jpg
At Waverly Rd a look at the future CP 43.9 serving the east end of Bailly. The new double track will continue on the south side of the existing path.
20230226-WaverlyRd1.jpg
20230226-WaverlyRd2.jpg

Post Reply