The Gary Chicago International Airport (GCIA) has signed a preliminary memorandum of understanding (PMOU) with the EJ&E, CSX, and Norfolk Southern (NS) railroads for the relocation of the EJ&E tracks bordering the airport to allow for the expansion of the primary runway, Runway 30, to approximately 8,900 feet.

The PMOU also provides for the shift of CSX operations to the NS Gary Branch, commonly known as the “Sugar Track,” which will allow the airport eventually to extend the crosswind runway.

“The PMOU establishes a common agreement to the scope of the projects and defines the commitments accordingly with regards to the engineering and financing that will lead to a final agreement,” according to a statement released last week.

“The airport worked through the Northwest Indiana Forum to convene and facilitate a regional working team that worked on the specific details of the project.”

“The team worked long, hard hours on making this agreement come to fruition,” said GCIA Director Chris Curry.

“These professionals understand the needs of the airport to fully reach its potential while at the same time worked to enhance the movement of freight and commerce to ensure the economic viability of Northwest Indiana well into the future.”

Posted 7/3/2008