A project to double-track 26-miles of railroad between Michigan City and Gary is getting a big swath of money thrown at it from the federal government.

The South Shore double-tracking project is getting $173 million for the installation of a second main-line track, improvements at five stations, over 1,300 new parking spaces at platforms, and nine new platforms.

“This has been a game-changing infrastructure priority for Indiana for many years, so naturally I am thrilled that our efforts have helped secure the full amount of federal funding required to complete the South Shore Line Double Track Project,” said Sen. Todd Young.

“Now, with its expected economic impact of $3 billion by 2048 and the creation of more than 6,000 new jobs, the completion of this and other Northwest Indiana infrastructure projects will benefit Hoosiers for years to come.”

The Shout Shore Rail line is a railroad in northern Indiana that connects Chicago to South Bend, with several stops in between in Michigan City, Gary, and Hammond, with a planned expansion for a stop in Dyer as well.

It’s a critical source of transportation for many Hoosiers in northern Indiana who work in Chicago.