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February 18 2026
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Vol. XXVIII • No. 4
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Link-Belts Complete Heavy Picks, Work $1.3B GDOT Project
Link-Belt Cranes photo
Link-Belt crawler cranes are vital to a massive infrastructure renovation issued by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). Using a 200-ton 248 HSL and a 150-ton 238 HSL, C.W. Matthews of Marietta, Ga., is the lead construction contractor on the $1.3 billion project. With plans to build several interchange ramps, collector-distributor lanes and replace nearly 30 bridges around the I-285/I-20 West interchange near Atlanta, the work is estimated to last five years. The Link-Belt machines are busy constructing pier columns, some up to 90 ft. tall, as part of the first phase of a 2,500ft.-long skyway development. The cranes are lifting and placing column forms weighing up to 24,000 lbs. as well as rebar cages to support the build. C.W. Matthews interchange project manager Mark Dolan said the Link-Belts are perfect for the job. “The 200- and 150-ton Link-Belts are just ideal machines for highway and bridge work in this market,” Dolan said. “We have a lot of trust in those cranes and the operators when they make those huge picks.” Ronald Carter, an operator with 50 years of experience at C.W. Matthews, said he loves Link-Belt cranes on account of their reliable operation, strong capacities and versatility.
The Link-Belt machines are busy constructing pier columns.
see CRANES page 6
Georgia Ports’ Blue Ridge Connector 95 Percent Complete Construction on the Blue Ridge Connector is now 95 percent complete. Georgia Ports’ latest addition to its inland rail network will open for operation in mid to late 2026. Among the next steps in the $134 million development will be connection of electrical power service, allowing GPA to fully commission the terminal’s seven all-electric rubber tire gantry cranes in February. The RTGs are completely assembled and have been tested using generators. “We’re excited to see the progress at our new Gainesville facility, and what
it will mean for the state of Georgia,” said Georgia Ports President and CEO Griff Lynch. “Having a rail connection in the region will enhance northeast Georgia as an attractive location for businesses that rely on global logistics.” Direct rail service via Norfolk Southern between northeast Georgia and Savannah will provide a new option to a long-haul truck move of about 600 mi. roundtrip, reducing highway congestion, cutting emissions and avoiding costly empty container moves to or from the coast.
Because the rail terminal links directly to the Port of Savannah’s extensive global shipping network of 39 ships per week, companies in northeast Georgia — from poultry producers to manufacturers of heavy equipment and forest products — will be able to move goods to and from international markets with greater efficiency. By bringing global market access to the doorstep of local businesses, port officials expect the inland terminal to act as a magnet for job creation. see CONNECTOR page 6
Georgia Ports photo