The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) has increased its rail freight capacity to transfer containers across the state and into the Midwest more quickly and efficiently.
When completion, the 104-acre property will have six tracks totaling 18,000 feet. The facility aims to provide 20 direct local jobs.
The inland port will connect Northeast Georgia to the Port of Savannah’s 36 global containership services that call every week.
Norfolk Southern Railroad will reportedly offer service to the Blue Ridge Connector five days a week, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. GPA will provide accelerated service from Savannah to the BRC on the third day.
Speaking at the inaugural Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Logistics Forum on 6 August, GPA General Manager of Inland Operations Wesley Barrell said: “Construction is moving along well. With another six weeks of earthwork, the rail yard grade will be met, allowing for additional engineering to advance. We are working closely with Norfolk Southern on tying our infrastructure into their existing track.”
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The $127 million facility, scheduled to open in 2026, will serve an existing client base that includes heavy equipment and forest product manufacturers.
Barrell added: “As shown by the impact of our first inland terminal, the Appalachian Regional Port, the BRC will also act an economic catalyst for Northeast Georgia, bringing jobs and opportunity.”
GPA noted that for port clients, intermodal service to Savannah will provide a competitive transportation alternative while reducing carbon footprint through fewer emissions per cargo.
The inland terminal in Hall County will reportedly provide a ready source of empty containers for regional exports.
The port noted that its customers will no longer need to truck containers through Hall County to the Port of Savannah since shorter ways to the inland port will be available.
Furthermore, every container transported by rail means fewer trucks on state highways passing through the Atlanta region. The Blue Ridge Connector will have an annual capacity of 200,000 containers.
In July, GPA handled 5.25 million TEU units in fiscal year (FY) 2024.
