Keith Benman | NWI Times

MERRILLVILLE | Railroad and development officials Wednesday rolled out a blueprint for a South Shore commuter rail extension to Dyer and big improvements on the existing line.

The South Shore 20-year Strategic Business Plan calls for $1.16 billion total in new projects, such as station upgrades, reroutes, new double tracks and an 8-mile extension to Dyer.

If brought to fruition, it would be the largest set of projects implemented on the line in at least 90 years.

“We believe you just shouldn’t show bits and pieces of the pie and ask people to step up with their support,” said Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority CEO Bill Hanna. “You should present the whole picture.” Read more