An Archaeological Survey of Eight Intersection Improvements in Cherokee County, Georgia

The intersection improvement projects are widely distributed and the nature of the existing intersections vary considerably. Intersection 1 is a rural crossroads of two laned highways in the eastern portion of Cherokee County (Figure 2). Intersections 2 and 3 are on a heavily developed, five lane portion of SR 20 just south of Canton (Figure 3). Intersection 4 is on a heavily developed, five lane portion of SR 515 just north of Canton (Figure 3). Intersection 5 is a rural crossroads of two laned roads in the extreme southwestern corner of Cherokee County (Figure 4). Intersection 6 is a heavily developed crossroads on SR 92 just a few hundred meters from Interstate 75 and located in extreme northern Cobb County, adjacent to Cherokee County (Figure 4). Intersections 7 and 8 are the entrance/exit ramps to Interstate Highway 75 from SR 92, in extreme southwest Cherokee County (Figure 4). The proposed improvements typically involve the installation of new strain poles on some or all corners, installation of pedestrian crosswalks, ramps and signals, and installation of new controller cabinets. Fiber optic cable will be installed along SR 92 to connect Intersections 6, 7 and 8. It is important to note that all of the improvements will be within the existing road rights-of-way. Without exception, these areas have been severely disturbed by previous construction of the roads themselves and subsequent urban development, including water and sewer lines, utility lines, and sidewalks. Consequently, any archeological sites that were once within the right-of-way have been destroyed or significantly compromised by construction.