Construction of the Georgia Ports Authority’s (GPA) Blue Ridge Connector (BRC) in Gainesville remains on schedule, with officials confirming the $127 million inland terminal is expected to open in Spring 2026. The project is poised to transform freight movement in Northeast Georgia by providing direct rail service between Gainesville and the Port of Savannah.
Once operational, the 200-acre facility will allow manufacturers and shippers to move goods by double-stack rail service through Norfolk Southern Railway, replacing what is currently a five-hour truck trip. GPA officials estimate the connector could eliminate as many as 400,000 truck trips per year through the Atlanta metro area, easing congestion while improving supply-chain efficiency.
A Major Investment in Northeast Georgia
The Blue Ridge Connector represents a $127 million investment funded by the Georgia Ports Authority. Construction is nearing completion, with Carroll Daniel Construction and Simpson Trucking & Grading serving as key local contractors on the project.
The terminal will feature:
- Six rail tracks
- 14 rubber-tired gantry cranes
- Double-stack container handling capabilities
- Monday–Friday operating schedules
GPA has also begun actively hiring for terminal positions in preparation for opening.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
State and local leaders say the Blue Ridge Connector will strengthen Northeast Georgia’s manufacturing corridor, which includes forest products, food processing, and advanced manufacturing industries.
Key benefits include:
- Supply Chain Efficiency: Door-to-door rail service will streamline shipping and reduce costs.
- Economic Growth: The facility is expected to attract new business investment and support existing employers.
- Environmental Impact: By removing hundreds of thousands of truck trips, the project will significantly cut carbon emissions.
- Reduced Congestion: Shifting freight from highways to rail will help relieve pressure on Atlanta’s already crowded interstates.
Supporting Infrastructure Already in Place
Several supporting road improvements in Hall County, including upgrades to White Sulphur Road and Cagle Road, were completed in Summer 2025 to accommodate increased traffic and improve access to the terminal.
Looking Ahead
With its Spring 2026 opening approaching, the Blue Ridge Connector is quickly becoming one of the most significant logistics projects in Northeast Georgia’s history. Officials say the facility will not only strengthen Georgia’s position as a national logistics leader, but also bring long-term economic and environmental benefits to the region.
As construction moves into its final phases, local leaders and businesses alike are watching closely, anticipating a new era of freight movement and economic opportunity for Gainesville and surrounding communities.
