Phase I Archaeological Survey of the Proposed US-27/SR-1 Bridge Replacement at Big Dry Creek

Moreland Altobelli Associates, LLC (MA) performed a Phase I archaeological survey for the proposed US-27/SR-I Bridge Replacement at Big Dry Creek in Floyd County, Georgia in August and September 2018. The survey was conducted to identify any archaeological resources within the Environmental Survey Boundary (ESB) for the proposed undertaking, and to assess their eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The survey was conducted to comply with Section I 06 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, as amended, and utilizing (Code of Federal Regulations) 36 CFR Part 800 for guidance and implementation thereof. The survey and subsequent report were completed in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the Georgia Department of Transportation's (GDOT) Environmental Procedures Manual (2012) and Archaeological Report Guidelines (2015).

GDOT Pl No. 001393 7 proposes to replace an existing bridge carrying State Route (SR) I over Big Dry Creek in Floyd County, Georgia. Floyd County is located in the northwestern portion of Georgia. The project begins 1,000 feet southwest of the existing bridge and ends 1,000 feet northeast of the existing bridge. The proposed project would replace the existing substandard bridge over Big Dry Creek with a new structure and new roadway approaches. The proposed mainline will consist of five (5) 12' -o•· travel lanes, the center lane will be a two-way left turn lane through the bridge, then taper back to a four (4) lane section, as well as curb and gutter in each direction. These changes will require roadway widening of varying widths on both sides of the proposed project. Proposed right-of-way (ROW) will be expanded by an additional 20-40 feet on the western side of the bridge and an additional I 0-20 feet on the eastern side of the bridge. Existing ROW varies between I 0-59 feet on the existing road way. The design speed in 55 miles per hour (mph).

The total number of shovel tests was 132. Of these 132 shovel tests, I 00 were excavated and 32 were not dug ("no digs") for a total of 132 tests. Twelve ( 12) of the shovel tests were not dug due to previous development within the ESB through building and road construction. Nineteen (19) of the shovel tests were not dug due to excessive slope. One (I) shovel test was not dug due to the area being inundated with water. One (I) previously identified site within the survey area was revisited. Site 9FL486 is a low density, surface and subsurface scatter of precontact lithic artifacts.

Previous studies suggest that the site was comprised of a Late Archaic-Early Woodland component and a historic 20th century isolated find. However, the current study did not recover any diagnostic precontact artifacts. One modern fragment of colorless container glass was recovered and discarded. A small assemblage (n=30) of I ithic debitage (n=21 ), possible hammerstones (n=4 ), and Fire-Cracked Rock (n=5) were recovered from 14 positive shovel tests within the site during the current survey.

The portion of the site within the APE for the proposed project has little remaining data potential. However, since the eastern and western extents of 9FL486 could not be fully delineated beyond the limits of the ESB, and an unknown portion of 9FL486 remains uninvestigated, site 9FL486's NRHP recommendation remains Unknown under Criterion D. In addition, MA recommends that an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) be established along the site boundary of 9FL486 along the edge of the APE to protect the site during all construction activities.