Archaeological Assessment of Projects MR-9402(1) and IR-20-1(46), Douglas County

"In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, projects MR-9402(1) and IR-20-1(46), Douglas County have been surveyed with respect to archaeological resources, especially those on or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The purpose of the survey was to locate, identify and evaluate the significance of any archaeological resources within the project corridors. Project MR-9402(1) would reconstruct and widen C.R.812/ Chapel Hill Road west of Douglasville. The proposed project would begin approximately 850 feet south of Stewart Mill Road then would extend northerly along Chapel Hill Road to a point just south of the I-20 interchange. In addition, the intersection of Stewart Mill road and Forest Trail Road would be reconstructed and widened. Existing right-of-way is approximately 80 feet. An additional 20 to 30 feet of right-of-way would be required. The project length would be 0.6 mile. Project IR-20-1(46) would replace the existing bridge and widen the approaches of the Chapel Hill Road/ I-20 interchange and would add two ramps (westbound entrance and eastbound exit) to provide a full diamond interchange. As part of this project the existing eastbound acceleration lane would be extended approximately 0.26 mile. Existing right-of-way varies from 280 feet to 300 feet. Approximately 5.3 acres of additional right-of-way would be required for the eastbound exit ramp and 6.0 acres would be required for the westbound entrance ramp. Existing right-of-way along Chapel Hill Road varies from 90 to 110 feet. An additional 35 to 40 feet of right-of-way would be required. No additional right-of-way would be required for the eastbound acceleration lane extension. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed project boundaries was conducted for both projects.

An archaeological survey (Level II) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT/ FHWA Cultural Resource Survey Guidelines" developed by the GDOT Staff Archaeologists in consultation with DNR

Historic Preservation Section Staff and concurred in by the Federal Highway Administration and State Historic Preservation Officer. These guidelines provide general survey boundaries and methodological approaches to archaeological surveys based on the type/scope of proposed highway projects and are followed during the initial identification of archaeological resources. No significant archaeological resources were located within the proposed project corridor as described in paragraph two above. It is concluded, therefore, that the project will not affect archaeological resources on or eligible for inclusion in the NRHP provided that the project conforms to that described above."