Archaeological Assessment of Projects NH-IM-95-1(119)(122)(123)(255), McIntosh, Liberty, and Bryan Counties

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, STP-0612(9), McIntosh, Liberty, and Bryan Counties has 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 proposed project's area of potential environmental effect.

Projects NH-IM-95-1(119)(122)(123)(255)001-4(47) would widen Interstate 95 in McIntosh, liberty, and Bryan Counties. The proposed project would begin at SR 57/SR 99 in McIntosh County then continue northerly to an end point at US 17 in Bryan County. The existing right of way on I-95 varies from approximately 76 to 152 meters (250 to 500 feet). The proposed widening will utilize both the inside and outside of the existing roadway, but all project construction will be restricted to within the existing I-95 right of way. This portion of the I-95 corridor was originally subjected to archaeological survey in 1971 by John House of the Archaeology Division of the Georgia Historical Commission. During that survey, House identified no eligible or potentially eligible archaeological sites within the above proposed projects area of potential environmental effect. An Archaeological survey consistent with the proposed project descriptions was conducted by GDOT staff archaeologists for the entire length of the project corridors.

An archaeological survey (Level II) was conducted in accordance with “GDOT/FHWA Culture resource survey guidelines” developed by the GDOT staff archaeologists in consultation with NDR Historic preservation section staff and concurred in by the Federal Highway Administration and state historic preservation officer. These guidelines provide general survey boundaries type/scope of proposed highway projects and are followed during the initial identification of archaeological resources.