In the face of rising container, breakbulk and auto volumes, the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) has authorized rail and gate expansion projects for the Garden City Terminal.
The news was coupled with a reported 32 percent growth for container trade in Savannah, Georgia, for October, as well as a total tonnage increase for all terminals of 25 percent. That is hundreds of thousands of extra cargo tons, and it was echoed by breakbulk tonnage – mainly lumber, steel and autos – with a 14.7 percent rise over the same period.
“A strong Southeast U.S. economy, on-terminal expansion, and investment by private logistics firms throughout the region have resulted in phenomenal growth for Georgia,” Executive Director Griff Lynch said.
Also this week, the GPA board approved $42.3 million in additional funds for the Port of Savannah’s Mason Mega Rail Terminal expansion. When complete, that project is slated to expand on-dock rail capacity by 100 percent and double rail lift capacity to 1 million containers per year. Construction on that project is scheduled to begin next month, with completion expected by the end of 2020.
“In addition to expanding capacity, we will also reduce the impact on our local community,” Lynch said. “The new pre-check lanes will reduce truck congestion and the Mega Rail Terminal will significantly reduce or eliminate rail crossings.”
Lastly, the GPA’s board has approved $13.2 million for expansion of Garden City Terminal’s Gate 8. The Garden City Terminal is the single largest container terminal in North America, according to GPA. The expansion will bring the total truck lanes for the gate to 54, providing a better link between it and Jimmy Deloach Parkway, a direct route for trucks heading for I-95.