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.
Leading up to the start of official service, test trains have been operated along the new route to ensure all systems are running safely and efficiently. These test trains have not carried passengers and help train onboard crews and dispatchers in preparation for the start of service.
Passenger service will officially begin on the new Monon Corridor at 11:45 am on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. The first train running on the Monon Corridor will move southbound (eastbound) from Hammond Gateway Station as Train 1109. Train 1109 will depart Hammond Gateway toward Munster/Dyer Station at 11:45am CDT. The first northbound (westbound) train on the Monon Corridor will be a shuttle train; this will be Train 1024 departing Munster/Dyer at 12:35pm CDT. Train 1024 will stop at Munster/Dyer, Munster Ridge, South Hammond, and Hammond Gateway. Passengers riding the Monon Corridor shuttle trains wishing to continue westbound into Chicago must disembark at Hammond Gateway Station and transfer to the main South Shore Line’s Lakeshore Corridor platform.
New Monon Stations
The new Monon Corridor includes four new stations with high-level platforms:
Hammond Gateway Station
Near Gostlin Street and Sheffield Avenue in Hammond – 4530 Sheffield Ave.
Near Main Street and Allison Road at the Munster/Dyer border – 10412 Allison Rd.
Monon Corridor Service
*Time is built into the schedule to allow passengers sufficient time to make their connection.
The passenger timetable, mobile app, posters, and other information sources will clearly note the Shuttle Trains that require transfer.
Passengers will not need a separate ticket to travel between the Lakeshore Corridor and the Monon Corridor. Passengers should choose their departure station and arrival station as they normally would. The system will issue one ticket for the trip.
How Transfers Work at Hammond Gateway
Some Monon Corridor trains travel directly to Chicago. Other trains, called Shuttles, require a simple transfer at Hammond Gateway Station to continue your trip. Transferring is straightforward, and we guide you every step of the way.
Purchasing Monon Corridor Tickets
You do not need a separate ticket to travel between the Lakeshore Corridor and the Monon Corridor. Choose your departure station and your arrival station as you normally would. The system will issue one ticket for your entire trip.
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.
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. The Quiet Zone was approved by the FRA in advance of Revenue Service on February 26, 2026.
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.