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E X E C U T I V E S U M M A R Y <br />DOUBLE TRACKING <br />The South Shore Line is a double track railroad that shares <br />the right -of -way with the Metra Electric District in Chicago. <br />After the Metra and South Shore services diverge, the section <br />of double track extends east to Tennessee Street in Gary, <br />a distance of 17.2 miles. Between Gary and Michigan City <br />(a distance of 25.9 miles) the South Shore is a single track <br />railroad with 6 miles of double track in eastern Lake County <br />and western Porter County, and several mile -long passing <br />sidings. Constructing continuous double track would increase <br />scheduling flexibility, improve reliability, expand maintenance <br />windows, and eliminate the single point of failure that exists <br />with single track operation. <br />The South Shore will remain single -track (with passing sidings) <br />between Michigan City and South Bend, as there is sufficient <br />capacity for existing and anticipated service levels. <br />Project Capital Cost: <br />• $98 million <br />Proposed Cost Distribution: <br />• 50% of capital costs paid with federal funds <br />• 50% will be from state or local sources. Whether the source <br />is state or local is a decision to be made by the counties <br />before the investment is made. A county allocation could be <br />based on derived benefits as well as service factors. <br />METRA CAPACITY <br />The South Shore Line operates on Metra Electric District right - <br />of -way from 115th St. to Millennium Station in downtown <br />Chicago. Metra is a four -track railroad from 115th St. to 11th <br />Place and then narrows down to a three -track railroad on <br />approach to Millennium Station. At Millennium Station, NICTD <br />has a single track leading into four platforms, while Metra <br />enjoys the benefits of double track access to its platforms. This <br />single track creates a single point of failure; in the event of a <br />derailment or an unexpected track, switch, or catenary failure, <br />all South Shore Line trains would be indefinitely ensnared. <br />Furthermore, a single track prevents NICTD from operating <br />simultaneous inbound and outbound train movements. This <br />project would provide another track into Millennium Station, <br />improving operating flexibility and capacity. <br />Project Capital Cost: <br />• $30 million <br />Proposed Cost Distribution: <br />• 50% of capital costs paid with federal funds <br />• 50% will be from state or local sources. Whether the source <br />is state or local is a decision to be made by the counties <br />before the investment is made. A county allocation could be <br />based on derived benefits as well as service factors. <br />URS I BAUERLATOZA • BRONNER GROUP • CAMBRIDGE SYSTEMATICS • GWG • POLICY ANALYTICS • RSG • UIC I page 7 <br />