Monon Corridor

(Formerly West Lake Corridor Project)

The Monon Corridor is an 8-mile southern extension of the South Shore Line’s main Lakeshore Corridor, which is currently under construction. This new line will connect north Hammond to its final stop at the Munster/Dyer Station. The existing main line will continue to be called the Lakeshore Corridor.

Before service officially begins, test trains will operate along the new route to ensure all systems are running safely and efficiently. These test trains will not carry passengers and will help train onboard crews and dispatchers in preparation for the start of service.

The project is anticipated to be completed in the first quarter of 2026, though this timeline may be adjusted based on construction and testing progress. The South Shore Line will continue to share updates and keep communities informed as the Monon Corridor approaches its opening day.

View FAQs
View Schedule

New Monon Stations

The new Monon Corridor includes four new stations with high-level platforms:

Hammond Gateway

Near Gostlin Street and Sheffield Avenue in Hammond

Near 173rd Street and Lyman Avenue in Hammond

Near Ridge Road and Manor Avenue in Munster

Near Main Street and Allison Road at the Munster/Dyer border

Monon Corridor Service

In preparation for the launch of the new Monon Corridor service, the railroad will provide fact sheets, release instructional videos, and promote information to help commuters get familiar with the new service.

Weekday Morning Rush Hour

During weekday morning rush hour periods, five Monon Corridor trains will serve Munster/Dyer Station, Munster Ridge Station, and South Hammond Station, and then travel into Illinois serving Hegewisch through Millennium Stations (no Monon service stop at 63rd Street). One morning rush will return from Chicago, serving the same stations. Rush Hour trains will run to and from Chicago on the same train equipment, so no transfer will be required on Rush Hour trains.

Weekday Afternoon Rush Hour

During weekday afternoon rush hour periods, five Monon Corridor trains will return from Chicago, and one will go into Chicago, serving the same stations as the morning rush.

Non-Rush Hour Shuttle Trains

Shuttle Trains, which will operate during off-peak (non-rush hour) periods, will operate between Hammond Gateway and the Munster/Dyer Station on weekdays during non-peak periods, as well as on weekends. These trains will not continue into Chicago or eastward to South Bend. Should passengers on the shuttle trains want to go further towards Chicago or towards South Bend, they will get off the train at Hammond Gateway on the elevated platform, then go down the stairs, elevator, or ADA-compliant ramp to the lower-level main Lakeshore Corridor platform to board a connecting train.*

*Time is built into the schedule to allow passengers sufficient time to make their connection.

The passenger timetable, App, posters, and other information sources will clearly note the Shuttle Trains that require transfer.

Only one ticket will be required for the transfer.

View Schedule
null

Safety

A public safety campaign will roll out ahead of testing to remind the general public that trains are in the area, and to be mindful and safe at all grade crossings.

The South Shore Line is also currently collaborating with the national Operation Lifesaver railroad organization to visit schools and provide safety education to children throughout the communities adjacent to the corridor.

null

Quiet Zone

The City of Hammond and Town of Munster jointly applied for a Quiet Zone with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), which is currently under review. NICTD anticipates the Quiet Zone will be approved by the FRA in advance of Revenue Service.

Communities should be aware that engineers may sound their horns during the testing and commissioning phase. Train engineers may also sound the horn at their discretion at any time due to safety concerns.

FAQs

How long will it take to get to downtown Chicago and where will it stop in downtown Chicago?
How many trains will there be on a daily basis?
What will passenger fares be?
Will there be paid parking at any of the new stations?
Are permanent sound barriers being installed?
What is the final landscaping plan?
How many people will be using the stations?
Will railroad crossing gates be activated (down) at 173rd Street when people are getting on the train at South Hammond?
What safety efforts are being put in place to help prevent people from crossing the tracks near the Monon Bicycle/Pedestrian Trail when it is near the new Monon Corridor train tracks?
How will emergency exits be accessible at Seminary and Margo Streets (Munster/Dyer area)?
Who is responsible for long-term maintenance?
Why is it called the Monon Corridor?