Georgia Ports boosts inland connectivity with Blue Ridge Connector expansion

Wesley Barrell, the GPA General Manager of Inland Operations, announced this development during the inaugural Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Logistics Forum held on 6 August."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," stated Barrell.

A key component of this expansion is the development of the Blue Ridge Connector near Gainesville, Georgia. This project aims to improve the efficiency and speed of container transportation, thereby strengthening the logistics infrastructure and supporting economic growth in the region.

The expansion will facilitate a more seamless integration of Georgia ports with rail networks, offering a more efficient alternative for cargo movement beyond the state and into the Midwest.Upon completion, the 420,000m² Blue Ridge Connector (BRC) site will feature six tracks totalling 5,500 metres and create 20 direct local jobs. This inland port will link Northeast Georgia with the Port of Savannah’s 36 global container ship services that call weekly.

Norfolk Southern Railroad will provide a five-day-a-week service to the BRC, operating from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. The GPA will offer expedited service from Savannah to the BRC with third-day availability.

Addressing the crowd at Lanier Technical College in Gainesville, Wesley Barrell highlighted the strong interest in the new rail terminal from local businesses, including poultry producers. Scheduled to open in 2026, the US$127 million facility will cater to an existing customer base, which includes producers of heavy equipment and forest products.

A locally owned company recently initiated a foreign trade zone (FTZ) in the area, allowing import cargo to be stored, assembled, or manufactured without duty payment until entering the domestic market. Located within 16,000 metres of the BRC, the FTZ will support international cargo moving through the rail yard, offering cargo owners greater flexibility in supply chain timing.For port customers, the intermodal service to Savannah will provide a competitive transportation option with a reduced carbon footprint due to lower emissions per container. The inland terminal in Hall County is also expected to ensure a ready supply of empty containers for regional exports.

Customers will no longer need to truck containers through Hall County to the Port of Savannah, as shorter routes to the inland port will become available. Each container moved by rail will reduce the number of trucks on state highways, particularly through the Atlanta area. The Blue Ridge Connector will have an annual capacity of 200,000 containers.Additionally, the Blue Ridge Connector marks the latest advancement in the Georgia Ports Authority’s (GPA) strategic rail strategy.

In addition to the Savannah market, the GPA operates the Appalachian Regional Port (ARP) in Northwest Georgia.