A meeting in Gainesville Tuesday was told that the next phase of construction of the area’s Inland Port should begin in about two months. Meanwhile, the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) project remains on target for completion by 2026.
“Construction is moving along well. With another six weeks of earthwork, the rail yard grade will be met, allowing for additional engineering to advance,” GPA General Manager of Inland Operations Wesley Barrell said. “We are working closely with Norfolk Southern on tying our infrastructure into their existing track.”
Barrell said there is great interest in the new rail terminal from local businesses such as poultry producers.
“We will offer refrigerated cargo by rail, with this unique transit from the Blue Ridge Connector to Savannah,” he said. “There are five cold storage freezers within five miles of our location, and more than 50 users of those cold storage facilities. We look to provide services to this customer base.”
The $127 million facility will serve an existing customer base, which also includes producers of heavy equipment and forest products.