Regular service will resume on Friday for the South Shore Line after a freight train derailment near East Chicago on June 24. The busing substitution between the Hammond Gateway and East Chicago stations will conclude with the final train on Thursday. This information was provided by the railroad.
The derailment affected the catenary system of the South Shore Line on the Grand Calumet River Bridge. Teams worked to reconnect overhead lines and power the freight cars affected by the incident. Repairing the damage required new parts to be fabricated and installed.
The temporary bus service cost the railroad approximately $750,000, according to Nicole Barker, Chief Experience and Engagement Officer. The first train returning to its normal schedule is eastbound Train 401, set to depart Carroll Avenue Station in Michigan City at 3:50 a.m. Trains had been running on a weekend and holiday schedule. Additional early rush hour trains were added from Munster/Dyer on the Monon Corridor route.
The derailment took place at the Grand Calumet River Bridge. Thirteen cars of an empty South Shore Freight coal train tipped over, damaging supports and overhead wires. These wires power the South Shore Line’s passenger services. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
South Shore Line President David Dech expressed gratitude to teams involved in the restoration. Dech acknowledged South Shore Line crews, Iron Workers Local 395, Operations Local 150, DLZ, and Superior Construction for their hard work in making repairs safely and quickly. He also thanked passengers for their patience during challenging times.
Doug Ross, a freelance reporter, contributed to this report.