The Georgia Ports Authority is set to open its Blue Ridge Connector inland terminal in Spring 2026, providing direct rail service between Savannah and Gainesville, Ga. — a high-growth logistics hub located just 50 miles from Atlanta, near Interstate 85. (Georgia Ports)
Blue Ridge Connector On Track for Spring 2026 Opening
SAVANNAH, Ga., Nov. 18, 2025 – The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) reports that the Port of Savannah moved 4.8 million TEUs in calendar year 2025 through October, an increase of 183,250 TEUs, or 4 percent, over the same period last year. October volumes totaled 452,934 TEUs, reflecting an 8.4 percent decrease compared to October 2024.
At the Port of Brunswick, Colonel’s Island Terminal handled 72,234 units of autos and heavy machinery in October—an increase of 5.4 percent, or 3,700 units, year over year. However, year-to-date volumes reached 689,662 units through October, a 9 percent decrease from calendar year 2024.
“We’ve been impacted by the trade downturn, so we look forward to seeing more trade deals come together, and we’re hopeful the market bounces back in the new year,” said GPA President and CEO Griff Lynch.
Blue Ridge Connector to Strengthen Northeast Georgia Supply Chain in 2026
As Northeast Georgia continues to grow as a major industrial and logistics hub—home to significant heavy equipment, forest products, food processing, and protein exporters—the region’s reliance on a five-hour truck route to the Port of Savannah has created bottlenecks for manufacturers.
To meet these needs, GPA is preparing to launch the $127 million Blue Ridge Connector, an inland rail terminal located 50 miles north of Atlanta. The facility is nearing completion and remains on schedule for a Spring 2026 opening.
“We’re making strong progress and remain on track for a Spring 2026 opening,” Lynch said. “The Blue Ridge Connector will bring tremendous efficiencies to cargo movement in one of Georgia’s fastest-growing regions.”
The new inland terminal will be served directly by rail from the Port of Savannah, strengthening the supply chain for a region home to more than 2 million residents and thousands of manufacturing and distribution jobs.
Economic, Environmental, and Workforce Impact
The Blue Ridge Connector is positioned to significantly reduce truck traffic through Greater Atlanta while expanding freight capacity in Northeast Georgia.
- 52,000 truck trips will be eliminated in the facility’s first full year of operation
- Up to 400,000 truck trips could be offset annually as volume scales
- A 90% reduction in CO₂ emissions—amounting to 22,510 metric tons—compared to an all-truck route
“Our Blue Ridge Connector service will create new opportunities for Georgia’s commerce to flow smoother and attract more jobs and prosperity to the Peach State,” said GPA Board Chairman Alec Poitevint. “This project supports Governor Kemp and the State Legislature’s goal of making Georgia the best place in the nation to do business.”
Infrastructure Improvements for Gainesville Community
To minimize local traffic disruptions and improve safety before the rail facility opens, GPA partnered with Hall County on targeted infrastructure upgrades, contributing $4.8 million toward:
- Eliminating an at-grade rail crossing
- Rerouting White Sulphur Road
- Resurfacing Cagle Road
These projects, completed in late Summer 2025, ensure uninterrupted emergency vehicle access and provide residents with improved roadway options surrounding the terminal site.
Upon opening, the Blue Ridge Connector will feature daily Norfolk Southern doublestack rail service, Monday through Friday, providing fast, reliable rail connectivity between the Port of Savannah and Northeast Georgia.
