INDIANAPOLIS–On Monday, plans to move forward with The Double Track Project, which includes 18 miles of new double-track territory, were announced. The project aims to increase train frequency and improve travel time on the South Shore Line. Service will operate every 16 minutes during peak times on the weekday and about every 75 minutes during the weekend and off-peak hours. Senate Assistant Democratic Leader Eddie Melton (D-Gary) released the following statement on the announcement:

“It was an honor to be a part of passing the monumental legislation that helped deliver this project to Northwest Indiana.

“I’m even more excited for the opportunities it will provide the City of Gary. It’s clear that the Miller community is primed for growth and opportunity, and this project will help make that happen. It’s now time to plan for a new metro center as well as affordable housing where the downtown station is located in Gary. This will surely help grow our population and economic development–especially with the proximity to Chicago, which is our country’s third-largest economy.”