Construction on the Blue Ridge Connector has reached 95 per cent completion, with Georgia Ports Authority set to open the new inland rail terminal later this year.
Next steps in the $134 million project include connecting permanent electrical power by the end of January, enabling full commissioning of seven all-electric rubber-tyred gantry cranes in February.
The cranes are fully assembled and have already been tested using generators.
Georgia Ports President and CEO, Griff Lynch, said: “We’re excited to see the progress at our new Gainesville facility, and what it will mean for the State of Georgia.
“Having a rail connection in the region will enhance Northeast Georgia as an attractive location for businesses that rely on global logistics.”
READ: Georgia Ports drive jobs and record cargo throughput
The terminal will offer direct Norfolk Southern rail service between Northeast Georgia and Savannah, providing an alternative to a roughly 600-mile round-trip truck haul.
The shift is expected to ease highway congestion, reduce emissions and limit empty container moves to and from the coast.
With rail access to the Port of Savannah’s network of 39 ships per week, businesses in Northeast Georgia — including poultry producers and manufacturers of heavy equipment and forest products — will gain more direct access to international markets.
Port officials say the terminal is expected to support job growth by improving access to global trade.
Lynch said: “Our role at Georgia Ports is to support economic development and prosperity across the state. Our Appalachian Regional Port has played a key role in attracting firms to Northwest Georgia that choose locations based on logistics infrastructure. The Blue Ridge Connector will do the same for Northeast Georgia.”
For more information:
Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) – https://gaports.com/
