South Shore plans $65 million project |
South Shore plans $65 million project |
Jun 9 2009, 01:25 PM
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Spends WAY too much time at CBTL Group: Admin Posts: 16,426 Joined: 8-December 06 From: Michigan City, IN Member No.: 2 |
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...amp;TM=39824.82
QUOTE 17 crossings may be eliminated The NICTD preliminary concept for rerouting the South Shore through Michigan City eliminates 17 of the current 34 street crossings. The 17 intersections are marked on the preliminary concept for the South Shore relocation. While the crossing at Washington Street is not Xed out, that is the proposed location for a new train station. Based on the plan, the following crossings would be closed: Carlon Court and adjacent alley, Donnelly Street and adjacent alley, Claire Street, Kentucky Street, Tennessee Street, Elston Street, Manhattan Street, Buffalo Street, Spring Street, Cedar Street, Lafayette Street, York Street, Oak Street, Maple Street and Phillips Avenue. More South Shore details released Laurie Wink The News-Dispatch MICHIGAN CITY - Property owners with parcels south of current South Shore tracks on 10th and 11th streets await an uncertain future until plans for realigning the commuter train are adopted. The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District operates the South Shore and announced last week it intends to significantly re-configure more than two miles of track running through Michigan City. NICTD's preliminary downtown rerouting concept, developed by TranSystems of Chicago, shows the tracks heading south of 10th Street at Sheridan Avenue and proceeding through town to a point just east of Michigan Boulevard, where the regular route resumes. John Parsons, NICTD spokesperson, said properties north of 11th Street will not be affected. He said the specific houses and properties that would be impacted by the change have not yet been identified. He said the project, estimated at $65 million, has been developed at a "gross level of detail" and changes could be made as the engineering process moves forward. A map labeled "Preliminary Downtown Reroute Concept" shows a South Shore station and 775-space parking area between Franklin and Wabash streets and from Warren Street north to 11th Street. The map includes station information that lists the current 11th Street parking lot at 42 spaces and the Carroll Avenue station at 155 spaces. Those stations would be replaced with the new downtown station. The new route is designed to eliminate the curve between 10th and 11th streets near the Amtrak intersection, and also remove the curve at Cedar and Lafayette streets. As now indicated on the map, the tracks run parallel but one row of houses south of the existing 11th street tracks between Kentucky Street and Michigan Boulevard. At Sheridan Avenue, looking east, the proposed route angles to the right, eventually running well behind the houses on the south side of 10th Street and linking directly with the portion of track that would be just south of 11th Street. Chicago Street would be rerouted, but it would retain a crossing of the South Shore tracks. Depending on funding and station design, Parsons said a parking ramp could be constructed, allowing for private developers to create an activity center in the areas surrounding the station. An environmental impact statement will be required before property can be purchased, Parsons said. "An environmental impact statement and public hearing are required as part of the process," he said. "The specifics will follow as part of the on-going process to qualify for federal funding." NICTD has yet to obtain funding for the detailed engineering plan that comes next, Parsons said. Michigan City Mayor Chuck Oberlie has reviewed the NICTD preliminary downtown route and will present the plan to the City Council for its approval. Parsons expects some issues to be raised by the council at that point. "We certainly want to develop a plan in concert with Michigan City that meets their needs," Parsons said. Contact Laurie Wink at lwink@thenewsdispatch.com. |
Jun 9 2009, 01:35 PM
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Spends WAY too much time at CBTL Group: Admin Posts: 16,426 Joined: 8-December 06 From: Michigan City, IN Member No.: 2 |
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...ArticleID=23756
QUOTE The Issue: The commuter line's board has decided to improve the existing route through Michigan City. Our Opinion: A decision is welcome news. This will have a big impact on the city. South Shore Railroad selects route Editorial For years officials have pondered how best to address a major bottleneck along the South Shore commuter route - the tracks that run along 10th and 11th streets through Michigan City. Alternatives were proposed, including using the Amtrak right of way across the north end of the city, and using the CSX corridor that crosses the city near Ames Field. In the end, the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District has settled on staying in the 10th and 11th Street corridor, but separating the tracks and the auto traffic. It is good that a decision finally has been made; now if the City Council approves and the $65 million in funding can be obtained, a major element in the redevelopment of this older part of the city can finalized. It's an opportunity to create a dramatically improved design for the areas affected. It probably will take several years, but commuters will finally have an improved train station. The NICTD board decision means the end is in sight for Michigan City to be the last major location on the route without a modern depot. This train station is proposed to be at Washington and 11th streets. Details of the plan aren't finalized, but the South Shore changes are going to have a huge impact on residents and the map of Michigan City. The train station will have parking for some 800 cars, meaning many parcels of property will have to be obtained and cleared. Seventeen of 34 street crossings will be closed to enable the South Shore to pick up greater speed as it runs through the city. Washington Street and other streets will become cul-de-sacs, with no through traffic. Properties will have to be acquired on the south side of 10th and 11th streets, meaning relocation for residents. South Shore trains have traveled this route through the heart of the city for more than 100 years,. This plan sets a course for the city for many decades to come. City officials need to move quickly to make sure the public is apprised of all the details of how this will impact their lives. |
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