Archaeological Assessment of Project BRF-048-1(24), Richmond County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project BRF-048-1(24), Richmond, the proposed project 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 project's area of potential environmental effect.

This is a bridge replacement over the Savannah River on Sandbar Ferry Road (S.R. 28). The existing truss bridge will be replaced more or less on existing alignment from a point where Sandbar Ferry Road divides for the existing dual bridge approach to the edge of the Fort Moore Bluff on the South Carolina side (about 4000 feet long). Existing R/W varies from 235 feet to 160 feet. Approximately 70 feet of additional R/W will be required south of the bridge for 1800 feet.

An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed right-of-way was surveyed for the entire length of the project corridor. An archaeological survey 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 have no effect upon archaeological resources on or eligible for inclusion in the NRHP provided that the project conforms to that described above.