Site rendering of the Blue Ridge Connector, sourced through the Georgia Ports Authority on August 7, 2024.

In December 2023, a major enhancement to Northeast Georgia’s link to the global supply chain was set in motion with the announcement of a new inland terminal in Gainesville, Georgia. Scheduled to open in 2026, this terminal will strengthen the region’s connection to the Port of Savannah’s 39 global container ship services.

Supporting this advancement, Norfolk Southern secured a contract to provide rail service, ensuring seamless transport between the new Blue Ridge Connector inland port and Georgia Ports Authority’s Mason Mega Rail terminal in Savannah. With intermodal freight representing 24% of U.S. rail traffic, the largest segment of the rail industry, the inland port expansion will enhance customer operations and reach.

"Georgia is among the fastest-growing states and consistently ranked among the top states to do business," said Norfolk Southern Chief Marketing Officer Ed Elkins. "The Georgia Ports Authority is an important partner to Norfolk Southern, a gateway for our customers, and an engine for economic growth. We look forward to building on our strong relationship and helping our mutual customers grow."

The new terminal will serve a range of industries including consumer goods, heavy equipment, food, and forest products. At full buildout, the Blue Ridge Connector will have 18,000 feet of trackage and a capacity of 200,000 lifts annually, building upon the nearly 20 percent of GPA's container cargo that moves by rail today.

"We are looking forward to building on our partnership with Norfolk Southern at the state-of-the-art Blue Ridge Connector," said Georgia Ports Authority President and CEO Griff Lynch. "This important investment will help our mutual customers streamline their supply chains while reducing congestion on Georgia highways. In addition to the positive impact to business, every container moved by rail will avoid a 600-mile roundtrip by truck between Savannah and the Gainesville area. That's a massive benefit to cargo owners seeking to reduce their carbon footprint."

Investing in strategic growth to support customer goals

For decades, Norfolk Southern has been investing in its East Coast port partnerships, which have become increasingly important as the East Coast now handles 54 percent of our nation’s global trade. One of more than 54 relationships with US river, sea and lake ports, this partnership highlights Norfolk Southern’s efforts expanding its strategic footprint to help customers reach existing markets more efficiently and connect to new markets.

Norfolk Southern’s intermodal network currently spans 19,500 miles, with more than 315 transload locations and over 270 short line partners.

Learn more about shipping with Norfolk Southern here.