A Phase I Archaeological Survey for the Proposed Railroad Safety Improvements at Norfolk Southern Crossing ID #718332G and ID #718330T, Monroe County, Georgia

The proposed project includes safety upgrades to the Norfolk Southern (NS) Railroad crossing at Tift College Drive (USDOT Crossing #718330T) that include upgrading the current safety equipment from flashers only to gates, bells, and lights. The replacement of railroad warning devices is also proposed at North Lee Street (USDOT Crossing # 718330T). Additionally, advanced warning signs and additional pavement markings and signage are proposed at both crossing locations. Upgraded railroad warning devices and additional signing and marking upgrades will improve operations by increasing driver awareness of the crossings in advance. A raised concrete median will be added along North Lee Street to calm traffic and increase driver awareness of the crossing.

This project has been programmed to enhance the safety at these crossings due to the closure of the nearby Indian Springs crossing. The existing roadway profiles along Tift College Drive and North Lee Street will include surface improvements at both crossings, consisting of a full-depth rubber crossing surface and paving approaches at the crossing to create a more gradual crossing profile. These surface improvements will improve driver expectancy, driver comfort, and roadway operations. The scope of the project is limited to safety enhancements and geometric improvements at the railroad crossings.

The existing right-of-way (ROW) for the crossing at North Lee Street (#718330T) is 65 feet (ft) wide with a proposed ROW width of 75 ft. Permanent and driveway easements would be required on either side of North Lee Street, with permanent easements located north of Railroad Avenue and driveway easements located South of the NS Railway ROW.

The existing ROW for the crossing at Tift College Drive (#718332G) ranges from 60 to 65 ft wide with a proposed ROW width of 60 to 75 ft. Permanent easements would be required on the north side of Johnston Street abutting the NS Railway ROW to the west, and at the northeast corner of the intersection of Tift College Drive and Railroad Avenue. A driveway easement would also be required on the south side of Johnston Street immediately west of its intersection with the NS Railway ROW.