GPA begins work on rail expansion
The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) is significantly expanding its rail cargo capacity to boost the efficiency and speed of container movement across the state and into the US Midwest.
The Blue Ridge Connector, a US$127 million facility slated to open in 2026, will feature six tracks across a 104-acre site, with a capacity of 200,000 containers annually.
The inland port will link northeast Georgia to the Port of Savannah’s global shipping network, with Norfolk Southern Railroad providing five-day-a-week service.
“Construction is moving along well. With another six weeks of earthwork, the rail yard grade will be met, allowing for additional engineering to advance,” said GPA general manager of Inland Operations Wesley Barrell.
“We are working closely with Norfolk Southern on tying our infrastructure into their existing track.”
The BRC will enhance supply chain efficiency by reducing the need for trucking containers to the Port of Savannah, thereby lowering emissions and alleviating traffic on state highways.
It will also offer intermodal service to Savannah, contributing to GPA’s broader rail strategy, which includes the Appalachian Regional Port in Northwest Georgia. GPA’s rail initiatives have already set records, with a 9% increase in trade in FY2024.
The development is expected to create 20 local jobs and significantly benefit industries in the area, including poultry, heavy equipment, and forest products.
The expansion reflects GPA’s commitment to sustainable growth, leveraging rail to reduce carbon footprints and enhance cargo movement across the region.
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