2 Big Investments. 1 Shared Mission in Northeast Georgia

The Blue Ridge Connector: Norfolk Southern will be the sole rail provider to the Georgia Ports Authority’s new inland terminal in Gainesville, opening in 2026:

• Connecting shippers in Northeast Georgia to 35 global container services via Savannah ports
• Serving key industries: consumer goods, food, forest products, heavy equipment, and more
• Reducing a 600-mile truck roundtrip per container
• Creating capacity for 200,000 annual lifts on 18,000 feet of track
• Doing it more sustainably with electric cranes

It’s a long-term investment by public and private partners in smart, sustainable logistics.

A Hospital Playground Reimagined: Norfolk Southern also announced a $300,000 contribution to Northeast Georgia Medical Center Gainesville to help rebuild a cherished part of the hospital’s pediatric care: its rooftop playground.

Originally opened in the early 2000s, the playground was retired in 2019 for safety reasons—leaving a noticeable gap for children and families.

“This playground brought joy, comfort, and a sense of normalcy to our pediatric patients for many years,” said Gentry Hunt, Director of Pediatrics at NGMC. “Thanks to Norfolk Southern’s incredible generosity, we’re restoring more than a play area—we’re restoring moments of hope and happiness for families who need it most. It speaks volumes about their long-term commitment to this community.”

The new, inclusive playground will allow children of all abilities to play, recover, and find joy. Hope for Hall, a local nonprofit focused on accessible play, will assist in its development.

Mark George, Norfolk Southern President and CEO, shared:

“We hope that when people see more Norfolk Southern trains roll through Northeast Georgia in the coming years, they see more than just a passing locomotive. We hope the Thoroughbred becomes a symbol of our long-term commitment to supporting a thriving community and serving as a beacon of sustainable, reliable transport. This new playground reflects that commitment—an investment in the well-being of families in this region and a tribute to the incredible, life-saving work being done every day at Northeast Georgia Medical Center Gainesville.”

As John Kueven, NGHS COO, summed it up: “Thanks to Norfolk Southern and others, we’ll be able to provide a safe and fun play area for our pediatric patients once again.”

Norfolk Southern is showing up where it counts. Originally opened in the early 2000s, the playground was retired in 2019 for safety reasons—leaving a noticeable gap for children and families.

“This playground brought joy, comfort, and a sense of normalcy to our pediatric patients for many years,” said Gentry Hunt, Director of Pediatrics at NGMC. “Thanks to Norfolk Southern’s incredible generosity, we’re restoring more than a play area—we’re restoring moments of hope and happiness for families who need it most. It speaks volumes about their long-term commitment to this community.”

The new, inclusive playground will allow children of all abilities to play, recover, and find joy. Hope for Hall, a local nonprofit focused on accessible play, will assist in its development.

Mark George, Norfolk Southern President and CEO, shared:

“We hope that when people see more Norfolk Southern trains roll through Northeast Georgia in the coming years, they see more than just a passing locomotive. We hope the Thoroughbred becomes a symbol of our long-term commitment to supporting a thriving community and serving as a beacon of sustainable, reliable transport. This new playground reflects that commitment—an investment in the well-being of families in this region and a tribute to the incredible, life-saving work being done every day at Northeast Georgia Medical Center Gainesville.”

As John Kueven, NGHS COO, summed it up: “Thanks to Norfolk Southern and others, we’ll be able to provide a safe and fun play area for our pediatric patients once again.”

Norfolk Southern is showing up where it counts. That’s the power of rail in the right place.