Double Track NWI Dune Park ConstructionIn 2022 the South Shore Line began a two year construction project to create a double track between Gary and Michigan City extending the existing double track from Kensington to Gary. As part of the project, stations were reconstructed in Michigan City (11th St) and Miller and improved in Ogden Dunes, Dune Park and Beverly Shores. This page chronicles the construction at Dune Park. | |
| Construction Phase 1 - Michigan City to Dune Park Construction began with the last revenue train running between Michigan City and Dune Park on the morning of February 28th, 2022. The official last day of service was Sunday, February 27th. The main line was taken out of service from MP 43.0 just east of Dune Park to MP 33.0 just west of Shops in Michigan City. While the line was out of service freight trains were limited to overnight hours and passenger cars were shuttled between Dune Park and Michigan City on weekends (towed by diesel engines).  The main track east of the station platform at Dune Park was used to store cars before they were sent west to Chicago and after their return trips. Track 2 was kept clear for freight and construction trains (although most material was delivered before the project began). Passengers were bused between Michigan City Shops and Dune Park and placed on connecting trains. Passengers at 11th St and Beverly Shores were initially served by a loop bus service that was not coordinated with train times. This was later converted to a connecting bus that required a 24hr advance request. |
|
 CP 43.0 at Tremont Rd. Passenger cars were stored between CP 43.0 and the station. (May 8th) |
 A train has a green "Clear" signal to head west from Dune Park. (May 8th) |
 |
 |
| The west end of the initial track closure east of Dune Park. West of this point CTC (Centralized Train Control) remained in effect and trains operated normally. East of this point signals were out of service and trains operated under manual dispatcher control. The derail was available here and at MP 33.0 in Michigan City to protect workers from trains errantly entering the construction zone. (Photos May 8th) | |
 Buses were used to bridge the gap between Carroll Ave in Michigan City and Dune Park. (May 8th) |
 The South Shore Line and Calumet Trail pass under SR 49 west of Dune Park. Shown before construction at Dune Park began. (May 8th) |
|
Construction Phase 2 - Dune Park to Ogden Dunes On August 6th, 2022, busing was extended to Gary Metro Center and the tracks at Dune Park were closed to passenger trains. In September the main line was taken out of service between MP 44.0 (just west of Waverly Rd) and MP 33.0 in Michigan City. In October track 2 was put "in service" between CP 37.9 just west of Michigan City and CP 44.0 west of Dune Park. CTC and passenger service were not restored, but track 2 was used for freight and out of service train moves while track 1 was rebuilt. At the end of October track 1 was removed past the platform at Dune Park in preparation for the installation of the gauntlet track.  |
|
 |
 |
| Simple chains were used to close the platform to passengers. Buses picked up and dropped off passengers at the main entrance to the station building. (Photos Aug 7th) | |
 Looking east toward Tremont and Michigan City. A low level platform extended to track 2 for emergency use. (Aug 7th) |
 Construction underway shifting the Calumet Trail to the north to allow room for the second track. (Aug 7th) |
 The rebuilt Calumet Trail approaching SR 49 from the west. (Aug 28th) |
 The rebuilt Calumet Trail passing under SR 49. (Aug 28th) |
 With the trail rebuilt to the north space was cleared for the new second track. (Aug 28th) |
 Construction of the second track underway approaching Tremont Rd (the former location of Tremont station east of Dune Park). (Aug 28th) |
 The ground was cleared awaiting the construction of the second track between Dune Park and Waverly Rd. (Sep 10th) |
 A week later the second track was placed across Waverly Rd in preparation for the track construction. (Sep 17th) |
 Concrete bases were installed for the extended catenary supports over the second track. (Sep 25th) |
 The first piece of second track was placed west of the station. (Sep 25th) |
 New concrete bases for catenary supports as seen from the east end of the station. (Sep 25th) |
 The grade was lowered under SR 49 preparing for balast and track. (Oct 2nd) |
 One by one the catenary supports were extended to the new bases. (Oct 9th) |
 The initial second track under SR 49. (Oct 9th) |
 The new second track was extended to Waverly Rd where a crossover was installed (part of CP 43.9). (Oct 9th) |
 With the catenary supports moved to the north the old bases were removed and the path was cleared for the new second track. (Oct 16th) |
 West of Waverly Rd (1/4 mile west of Dune Park) track two to the right was laid out with a temporary curve next to the old single track main. (Oct 16th) |
 Track 2 became the main track past Dune Park as the new track was extended past Waverly Rd. (Oct 23rd) |
 West of Waverly Rd a connection from the new track 2 connected to the old main line through a curve. (Oct 23rd) |
 This section of the main line became a freight track. A second freight track was extended from about one mile west of here (Dune Acres) to this switch to create a two track yard extending nearly 2.5 miles. Two new main tracks were built just south of the old main track. (Oct 23rd) |
 By the end of October track 1 was removed past the platform at Dune Park. The switch for CP 43.7 is the last of the track to be removed. (Oct 31st) |
 The view from above with track 1 removed on the right and the new track 2 on the left. (Oct 31st) |
 Work on the second platform began in late 2022. (Nov 5th) |
 Bases for light poles have been installed and the new track 2 platform is shown in the early stages of construction. (Nov 13th) |
 Ties placed for the switch at the west end of the gauntlet. (Dec 10th) |
 Ties for the gauntlet section placed in front of the platform. (Dec 10th) |
 A view from above of the ties laid out waiting for rails. (Dec 10th) |
 The east end of the station where the second gauntlet switch was later placed. (Dec 10th) |
| 2023 | |
|
Construction Phase 3 - Ogden Dunes to Gary In January 2023 the third phase of construction began. While not directly affecting Dune Park, the third phase represents a time where work was being done along the entire length of the project. |
 The switch at the east end of the gauntlet. (Jan 1st) |
 The new rail for main line track 1 is in place and connected to the switch at the east end of the gauntlet. (Jan 8th) |
 The rail is also connected to the switch at the west end of the gauntlet. (Jan 8th) |
 Looking west at the switch points at the west end of the gauntlet. (Jan 8th) |
 The location of the future pedestrian crossing. (Jan 8th) |
 The snow has melted enough to see the second switch in the crossover at Waverly Rd in place. (Feb 4th) |
 West of Waverly Rd the second freight siding has been connected. A switch has been installed to allow the new track to to continue south of the yard tracks. (Feb 4th) |
 The rails for the crossover is complete east of Waverly Rd. (Feb 12th) |
 The view from above looking east along track 2 and the base of the new platform. (Feb 26th) |
 Looking west at the crossover at Waverly Rd. (Feb 26th) |
 The west end of the gauntlet with all rails in place. (Mar 26th) |
 A CSS coal train passes the new platform on track 2. (Apr 2nd) |
 The new pedestrian crossing has been built across the west end of the gauntlet and track 2. (Apr 22nd) |
 The connection between the pedestrian crossing and the Calumet Trail. (Apr 22nd) |
 East of the station a crossover was placed. Combined with the crossover at Waverly Rd, trains can cross over to the other track in both directions. The gauntlet and high platform are between the two crossovers. (Apr 22nd) |
 Crossing protection at the new pedestrian crossing. (The old pedestrian crossing remained available to the west until the new crossing opened.) (Apr 30th) |
 Signals installed at the crossover east of the station. The crossover and platform gauntlet are signaled as part of the same interlocking. (May 14th) |
 The westbound signals for CP 43.5 with the primary signal heads turned to face the center of the track. (May 14th) |
 The back of the eastbound signals for CP 43.5, placed just west of the SR 49 overpass. (May 14th) |
 Two new main line tracks take shape south of the former main line track. (May 14th) |
 Out of service passenger cars are pulled past the Dune Park platform on the gauntlet. (May 14th) |
 Gates are installed and the new pedestrian crossing is ready for service. (Jun 25th) |
 Looking east along the new track 2 platform and track 1 high platform with gauntlet. (Jun 25th) |
 Looking west along the tracks with the Calumet Trail passing under SR 49. A fence was installed to keep pedestrians off of the rails. (Jul 8th) |
 Tracks nearing completion west of Waverly Rd as track 2 is placed in service as a new main line and the former main line becomes freight only. (Jul 8th) |
 An empty coal train crosses the activated pedestrian crossing at Dune Park. A small white X lights up, red lights alternate and the gates are lowered when the protection is activated. The words "Another Train Approaching" are seen if two trains are detected. (Jul 30th) |
 In August 2023 CTC was restored from Michigan City to the west limits of CP 43.5 at Dune Park. (Aug 26th) |
|
Construction Phase 1 Concludes In August 2023 the first test trains were run between Michigan City and Dune Park, testing in two segments: Shops to Sheridan (Michigan City city limits) and Sheridan to Dune Park (west of Michigan City). CTC (centralized train control) was restored between CP 43.5 (Dune Park) and CP 32.2 (Shops) on August 26th, 2023. PTC (positive train control) was restored September 25th. With testing complete and the tracks certified for passenger use, passenger service was restored between Dune Park and Michigan City on October 25th, 2023. With the partial resumption of service, cars were stored west of Dune Park between CP 43.9 and CP 43.5 (enough room for eight cars) and at the Dune Park platform (enough room for eight cars). Due to the constant occupancy of track, trains were forced to approach Dune Park at restricted speeds and be given permission to enter the track at the platform. Trains leaving Dune Park were also affected as there is no signal beyond the platform for an eastbound move. Trains traveled east for approximately two miles before passing the first signal that gave them permission to travel at maximum track speed.  |
|
 The eastbound signals for CP 43.5 are lit as the South Shore prepares for in service passenger trains to return to Dune Park. (Aug 26th) |
 West of Waverly Rd the eastbound signals for CP 43.9 were installed. (Aug 26th) |
 Green light! Top signal green on track 2 await the approach of a train entering CTC. (Sep 2nd) |
 Looking east from a mile away (Mineral Springs Rd at the former Dune Acres stop) along the new main tracks. One of the eastbound signals for CP 43.9 can be seen in the distance. (Oct 7th) |
 The eastbound signals at CP 43.9. The freight yard tracks converge and are controlled by the signal at the left. The two main line tracks are controlled by the signals at the right. (Oct 7th) |
 Final adjustments were made to the catenary east of Dune Park. (Oct 7th) |
 The new second platform receives an additional layer of concrete to make it higher. (Oct 22nd) |
 The railing was replaced at the east end of the platform to keep passengers off of the track. (Oct 28th) |
 The concrete for the platform on track 2 was complete as the walkway connecting the platform to the pedestrian crossing was rebuilt. (Oct 28th) |
 Out of service passenger cars were stored west of the station between CP 43.5 and CP 43.9. (Oct 28th) |
 An out of service set of passenger cars waits for the next run to the east. (Oct 28th) |
 A shelter at the east end of the low platform is used to protect a lift available for ADA passengers should the platform be used. (Dec 17th) |
 The Kankakee Trail marker has been repositioned to the north side of the tracks directing pedestrians to the Indiana Dunes State Park and beach and the Calumet Trail. (Dec 17th) |
 The trail marker points the way to the train station. (Dec 17th) |
| 2024 | |
 Passenger cars are waiting at the platform for their next trip east. (Jan 27th) |
 The pedestrian crossing is complete with tectile walking surfaces. A bike rack was placed next to the crossing. (Jan 27th) |
 Looking west at CP 43.9 where a coal train and several engines are occupying the yard tracks. (Mar 30th) |
 Passenger cars waiting at the platform on the last weekend of bus service. (Apr 7th) |
|
Construction Phase 2 and 3 Concludes In late February 2024 test trains began between Dune Park and Gary in two segments, CP 46.5 to CP 58.8 (Gary) and CP 43.5 to CP 46.5. Testing was limited at CP 43.5 to avoid interference with passenger services. PTC was tested in March and after final adjustments a service restoration date of April 9th was announced at a public board meeting on March 25th.  Full train service between Michigan City and Gary was restored on April 9th, 2024. |
|
 The eastbound signals at CP 43.5 awaiting the arrival of an eastbound train. (Apr 13th) |
 The eastbound signals at CP 43.9 awaiting the arrival of an eastbound train. (Apr 13th) |
 The crossover east of Waverly Rd with Dune Park in the background. (Apr 13th) |
 The east end of the gauntlet and the crossover east of the station (Apr 13th) |
 Looking west from the east end of the platform. (Apr 13th) |
 Looking west along the track 1 platform with the track 2 platform on the right. (Apr 13th) |
|
|
Porter County paved the Calumet Trail between Dune Park and Mineral Springs Rd two miles to the east. The upgraded trail connects to a trail heading south at Mineral Springs Rd as well as connecting to the Kankakee Trail at Dune Park. The trail has dranage grates to allow water to pass from one side of the trail to the other without flooding the path. (November 2024) |
|
| The photos on this page were taken with a camera with a good zoom lens from publicly accessible areas such as sidewalks, grade crossings, the SR 49 bridge, the Calumet Trail and platform areas when open to the public. No drone was used. Station parking was used during all visits. | |
