The Marquette Greenway’s development is progressing, though the remaining sections pose the most difficulty. Active transportation manager Mitch Barloga from the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission estimates that 10 miles currently under development could be completed by next spring.

The completed Greenway will stretch approximately 60 miles from Calumet Park in Chicago to New Buffalo, Michigan. As of October, 39 miles have been finished, nine miles are fully funded, and 12 miles are partially funded.

Hopefully they’re going to meet in the same place, Barloga quipped, comparing the effort to the unifying of the transcontinental railroad in 1869.

Burns Harbor and Porter are actively working on their respective segments of the trail. The Burns Harbor section stops before the Norfolk Southern bridge over the Little Calumet River, planning to go under it to connect with the trailhead at Howe Road in Porter. This will also link to the lesser-developed Little Calumet River Trail.

A section up to Broadway in Beverly Shores is also in progress. This part veers off the Calumet Trail under the NIPSCO power lines, providing a more scenic alternative. The route between Ind. 49 and Kemil Road is already complete, with plans to finish up to Broadway by year’s end.

The Greenway remains about $30 million short of complete funding. Indiana’s route mainly follows north of the Toll Road, extending along U.S. 20. Construction includes a barricaded bike lane over Canadian National tracks, offering scenic views like the Seidner Dune and Swale preserve in Hammond. A future section requires refurbishing an old South Shore Line bridge over the Toll Road.

On the Michigan side, progress is further along, with only half a mile remaining. The Michigan City section, 2.9 miles from Karwick to El Portal, is part of a fully funded RAISE grant proposal, aiming for completion in the coming years.

The segments from the NIRPC building in Portage pose particular challenges. A new bridge across Burns Ditch is planned, though connecting roads are pending land sales and development approvals. One alternative route follows Ind. 249 to Portage Lakefront Park and Riverwalk.

The trail extension through Ogden Dunes to West Beach ends at the Douglas Center in Gary’s Miller area, covering National Park Service property. Connecting future segments, such as those in the city of Gary, remain a priority but require more funding, possibly through phased construction.

We have a lot of railways in this area, Barloga noted regarding the geographic obstacles impacting trail development.

Despite logistical challenges, efforts continue on both ends to bridge the final gaps, marking a significant connection for the region once completed.