Regular trains will run on the South Shore Line starting Friday. This follows a freight train derailment that happened on June 24 near East Chicago. The bus service, replacing trains between Hammond Gateway and East Chicago stations, will conclude on Thursday night.

The derailment involved a South Shore Freight train’s coal cars that tipped over on the Grand Calumet River Bridge. It led to damage to the bridge supports and overhead wires, which power passenger trains. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported from the incident.

We thank the South Shore Line crews, Iron Workers Local 395, Operations Local 150, DLZ, and Superior Construction teams that worked incredibly hard to make these repairs in a safe and timely manner. We also thank our passengers for their patience during this challenging time.

The South Shore Line’s President, David Dech, expressed gratitude in a news release for the repair efforts by numerous teams. Due to the derailment, costly bus services were required. Chief Experience and Engagement Officer Nicole Barker mentioned the buses cost the railroad about $750,000.

The first train to resume on a regular schedule will be eastbound Train 401. It will depart from Carroll Avenue Station in Michigan City at 3:50 a.m. on Friday. Since the incident, trains have been operating on a modified schedule similar to weekends and holidays. This schedule included early rush hour trains from Munster/Dyer via the Monon Corridor route.

New parts had to be created and installed to repair the damaged infrastructure. Workers have reconnected the overhead lines essential to powering the line’s freight cars. The efficient teamwork led to repairs made both safely and swiftly.