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Monon Corridor/Westlake project managers say testing continues after transformer damage; revenue service targeted for Q1 2026
Summary
Project managers told the Munster Town Council that stations are substantially complete but two damaged substation transformers and earlier contractor track work delayed revenue service; dynamic and electric testing are underway and a quiet zone is planned for service start.
Project staff told the Munster Town Council on Dec. 10 that the Monon Corridor/Westlake rail project is nearing completion but remains delayed by equipment and contractor issues, with revenue service now targeted for the first quarter of 2026. Mike Ro, the Westlake project manager, said stations in Munster are “substantially complete” and that staff have been running test trains and beginning dynamic testing this month.
Ro said the project encountered two separate problems. Last fall the team discovered the contractor had not installed required track isolation protections against stray low-voltage current, requiring sections of track to be removed and reinstalled. Ro also reported that two of four substation transformers were damaged during July testing and were returned to the manufacturer for root-cause analysis; replacement units have been ordered. “Those transformers have been shipped back to the manufacturer. They’re doing a root cause analysis now,” Ro said, adding that the team will continue as much testing as possible with available equipment while awaiting replacements.
Staff described service patterns for Munster: three stations (at the south end/Main Street, Ridge Road and a third stop), with five weekday Monon Corridor trains serving Munster and two-car shuttle trains linking the line off-peak. Timetables and a corridor FAQ were posted on mysouthshoreline.com and westlake.com, project staff said.
Ro said Munster and the city of Hammond have applied to the Federal Railroad Administration for a quiet zone that will be in effect when revenue service begins; during startup testing, horns will sound and flaggers will be present at crossings. The project team also plans a community safety-education campaign targeting schools and local organizations to remind residents about active rail operations.
The presenters offered to follow up with a more informal “coffee with the council” session to allow residents to ask questions directly of project staff. Town officials did not set a new firm revenue-service date beyond the Q1 2026 target and said they will keep the town informed of any changes.
