Crews at Georgia Ports Authority’s Gainesville Inland Port have worked multiple trains and trucks at the facility since the opening on May 4, kicking off direct daily rail service between the inland manufacturing hub and the Port of Savannah.
The Gainesville Inland Port gives shippers an alternative to a 600-mile round-trip truck route, reducing trucks on Georgia’s highways and in the Atlanta region. GPA expects to shift 26,000 containers to rail in the first year of operation, improving highway traffic flow and reducing emissions.
About 80% of Savannah’s cargo moves inland by truck and 20% by rail, with rail becoming more cost-effective beyond 250 miles, especially as diesel prices rise.
Officials highlighted the port’s speed and flexibility, saying that 40 weekly vessel calls, 42 double-stack trains linking inland markets, and industry-leading rail dwell of 20 hours or less. Truck gates process 14,000-16,000 daily moves, with dual turns under 50 minutes and single moves in 30.
GPA is collaborating with Norfolk Southern on the new service. At full build-out, the $134 million Gainesville Inland Port will have an annual capacity of 200,000 containers.
To reduce the new railyard’s traffic impact on local communities in Gainesville, GPA funded $4.8 million in Hall County road projects, eliminating an at-grade rail crossing, rerouting White Sulphur Road and surfacing Cagle Road. The new White Sulphur route south of the inland terminal ensures free access for emergency vehicles and avoids traffic disruption from trains.
The resurfacing of Cagle Road also offers an improved alternative for residents. Both projects were completed in late summer 2025.
Be the first to comment