Regular train service on the South Shore Line will resume on Friday following a derailment on June 24. The incident happened near East Chicago. The temporary bus service between Hammond Gateway and East Chicago stations will cease after the last train on Thursday, as stated by the railroad.
The derailment impacted the South Shore Line’s Grand Calumet River Bridge. It involved a South Shore Freight train, which damaged the catenary system. Workers reconnected overhead power lines to restore operations. Chief Experience and Engagement Officer Nicole Barker, reported a cost of approximately $750,000 for the bus substitutions.
The train back on the regular schedule will be eastbound Train 401. It will depart from Carroll Avenue Station in Michigan City at 3:50 a.m. Trains have been following a weekend and holiday schedule, with additional rush hour trains from Munster/Dyer on the Monon Corridor route since the service restatement.
On the day of the derailment, 13 empty South Shore Freight coal train cars tipped over on the bridge. This damaged the supports and overhead wires, interrupting passenger service. Fortunately, there were no injuries. Custom parts were fabricated and installed to complete repairs.
“We thank the South Shore Line crews, Iron Workers Local 395, Operations Local 150, DLZ, and Superior Construction teams that worked incredibly hard to make these repairs in a safe and timely manner,”
stated South Shore Line President David Dech. He also expressed gratitude to passengers for their patience during the disruptions.
Doug Ross contributed to this report as a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
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