Archaeological Assessment of Project IM-00MS(268) Newton County Interstate Ramp Improvements and Rehabilitation Along Interstate 20

Georgia Project IM-00MS(268), Newton County, proposes to rehabilitate and reconstruct the existing interchange ramps, replacement of the existing bridge overpasses, and upgrade the ramp/cross street intersections of three intersections along lnterstate-20 in Newton County. The intersections would include the Almon Road (County Road 43)/lnterstate-20, State Route 11/lnterstate-20, and State Route 12/lnterstate-20 intersections. The proposed construction would include the reconstruction of the existing ramps by widening and lengthening where necessary, improving turning radii, and acceleration and deceleration lengths. The existing bridge overpasses will be replaced with wider bridges to accommodate clear zone requirements, improved site distances as well as required offsets and bicycle/pedestrian facilities where warranted. Existing guardrail will be upgraded to meet current standards. Cross street intersections and access roads would include the installation of traffic signals where warranted as well as designated left and right turn lanes on the bridges and ramps as required. This proposed project is needed to preserve the integrity of the interstate-20 highway system in the project area. The existing ramp pavement within the three intersections' ramp systems is in fair to poor condition, and will continue to deteriorate as traffic increases. The existing overpass bridge widths do not accommodate current traffic volumes and do not provide sufficient storage capacity for the increased turning movements currently occurring. These proposed improvements would result in improved safety and operational efficiency at the stated intersections in a coordinated system providing LOS 8 and C conditions through the design year (2020).