Progress and Challenges of the Marquette Greenway Project

Development of the Marquette Greenway

The Marquette Greenway is approaching completion, yet the remaining sections present the most significant challenges. Mitch Barloga, active transportation planner at the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission, discussed the trail’s development and projected completion by next spring. Barloga, along with Rafi Wilkerson of the National Park Service, is a major proponent of the trail in Indiana.

The groundbreaking ceremony for sections in Burns Harbor and the town of Porter took place on June 5, 2026. Once finished, the Marquette Greenway will span approximately 60 miles from Calumet Park in Chicago to New Buffalo, Michigan.

Current Status and Funding

As of October, 39 miles are completed, 9 miles have full funding, and 12 miles are partially funded. Burns Harbor and Porter are actively developing sections of the trail, hoping to connect precisely like the historic transcontinental railroad.

The project faces funding challenges, with an estimated $30 million still needed for completion.

Trail Sections and Construction Plans

The Burns Harbor section stops near the Norfolk Southern bridge over the Little Calumet River. Plans include going under the tracks, connecting to Beam Street in Porter, traversing Indiana Dunes National Park’s Minoke Prairie, and reaching the trailhead at Howe Road.

Another segment aims to reach Broadway in Beverly Shores. This transition offers a more scenic route than the current NIPSCO easement, which is susceptible to disruptions affecting federal funding suitability.

Route Highlights and Challenges

The trail’s northern path runs along U.S. 20, mainly north of the Indiana Toll Road. It includes viewing sites like Seidner Dune and Swale nature preserve. An old South Shore Line bridge over the Indiana Toll Road needs refurbishment for future use.

Michigan edges closer to trail completion, with only half a mile remaining to connect riders safely from Long Beach, Indiana, to New Buffalo.

A significant challenge in Portage is to extend Burns Parkway for smooth access. The Portage Redevelopment Commission plans a new bridge to cross Burns Ditch supported by a forthcoming $15 million bond issue.

Proposed Routes and Future Plans

An alternative route could lead north along Ind. 249 to Portage Lakefront Park and Riverwalk, bypassing the RDC’s potential development hurdles. The trail would pass by a new steel heritage museum and connect to Stagecoach Road.

Beyond this point, the trail would navigate the surroundings of Ogden Dunes and arrive at Gary’s Miller area. The National Park Service oversees the segment from the Douglas Center to Broadway, prioritizing this connection as critical.

The hefty $22 to $23 million estimate for the west Gary section covers bridge enhancements necessary over Bridge Street to Cline Avenue. Breaking this stretch into manageable phases is anticipated, with potential municipal support from Gary.

Conclusion

Completing the Marquette Greenway involves addressing hard-to-build areas due to geographical restraints like rivers, railways, and environmental concerns. Positive momentum from stakeholders, including National Park Service and city initiatives, aims to achieve the last major connection for this trail project.