Fourth Addendum Phase I Archaeological Survey for the Proposed Widening and Reconstruction of State Route 87/Cochran Bypass, Bleckley County, Georgia

Original Project Description (2006)

This project proposes to widen and reconstruct Cochran Bypass/State Route (SR) 87 in Bleckley County. The project begins at MP 4.30 just south of the SR 87 Business intersection on the south side of Cochran and extends to MP 8.30 just north of the SR 87 Business intersection on the north side of Cochran. Existing right-of-way on SR 87 is approximately 130 feet, with approximately 150 feet of new right-of-way (ROW) required. Total project length is 4 miles.

Changes between 2009 and 2013

In 2009 additional small sections of required right-of-way were added and the project was extended to the south 0.192 mile and to the north 0.169 mile, for a total project length of 4.361 miles. In 2010 additional small sections of required right-of-way were added. In 2012 additional changes were made to the project, including the removal of various areas of ROW and easements throughout the project corridor. In 2013, required ROW was added for right turn lanes and a signal at the intersection of SR 126/Chester Road and SR87/Cochran Bypass. In addition, minor changes to driveway easements and signalization were made.

Current Project Description (2016)

This project consists of 4.361 miles of widening on SR 87/Cochran Bypass (Figure 1). The existing typical roadway section for SR 87/Cochran By-Pass consists of two 12-foot asphalt concrete travel lanes with 8-foot rural shoulders. Existing ROW is 130 feet. The horizontal and vertical alignments meet a 55 mph speed design. The proposed typical section for this consists of two 12-foot asphalt concrete travel lanes in each direction separated by a 14-foot flush median with 10-foot rural shoulders. Proposed ROW is 150 feet.

Right turn lanes and a signal will be added at the intersection of SR 126/Chester Road and SR 87/Cochran Bypass. The additional required right-of-way varies between 8 and 20 feet surrounding the intersections where right turn lanes are proposed. The speed design and proposed posted speed for this project is 55 mph. There is currently an at-grade railroad crossing that will be converted to a grade separation with this project.

Current Project Changes (2016)

Project changes covered under this addendum report include: the addition of 15 ft wide utility easements on the south end of the project, 5-15 ft wide fence easements throughout the project, and 15-20 ft driveway easements as various locations along the corridor. In addition, the existing park-and-ride facility located on the north side of SR 87/Cochran Bypass to the northeast of CR 162/Rene Drive will be extended 385 feet southeast along the roadway (Figure 2). All changes are highlighted on the attached plan set.