Work begins Wednesday on a  $153 million expansion at the Gary Chicago International Airport.

Officials hope this project, once completed, will be the one that finally kick starts success at the airport. The work will include relocating railroad tracks and dismantling a railroad track embankment.

That will allow the airport to add 1,900 feet to its main runway. Extending the runway will allow larger airplanes to land.

Airport interim director Steve Landry said, “This project has been on the drawing board for quite a while. We’ve made a lot of progress lately and moving forward. What the airport means to the city of Gary and the region as far as potential and fulfilling that potential, it’s a very exciting time. ”

Officials will kick off the work with a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday at the airport.