Indiana expects that construction on the Double Track Northwest Indiana project will begin this summer.

The state announced last week that the Federal Transit Administration and the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District have signed the Full Funding Grant Agreement.

This sets up the full federal funding for the project, $173 million that allow for the Double Track project to get underway. The $491 million project will bring speedier passenger rail service between Gary and Michigan City and make critical safety improvements at crossings and five station platforms.