Cultural Resources Survey of the Proposed Sigman Road Underpass

In April 1997, Brockington and Associates, Inc. conducted a cultural resources survey of the proposed Sigman Road grade separation project in Rockdale County, Georgia. The proposed project will lower the elevation of Sigman Road at the existing rail crossing by approximately 8 meters (26 feet) to allow vehicular traffic to pass underneath the railway. The cultural resources survey was conducted for Greenhome and O'Mara, Inc. in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended through 1992 (16 U.S.C. 470). Project goals included background research, archaeological and architectural field survey, and evaluation of all cultural resources within or adjacent to the proposed corridor. Background research conducted at the Georgia State Archaeological Site Files in Athens identified two previously recorded archaeological sites, 9RO119 and 9RO120, in the vicinity of the project tract. Both sites have been previously recommended ineligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Research conducted at the Historic Preservation Division (HPD) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and at the Georgia Department of Archives and History (GDAH) in Atlanta did not identify any potential historical resources in the vicinity. Fieldwork consisted of archaeological and architectural surveys. Archaeological field survey identified one archaeological site within the project area, 9RO129. The site is a prehistoric lithic scatter consisting of quartz flakes and flake fragments. It is recommended ineligible for the NRHP, and no further archaeological investigations are recommended for the project tract. Architectural survey of the project tract identified two historic properties (early twentieth century residences) adjacent to the project tract. Consultation with project engineers determined that both resources are outside the area of potential effect, and no further documentation or evaluation is recommended. The survey also identified the Georgia Railroad as a potentially significant historic resource. Assessment of the resource's significance based on NRHP criterion determined that it has lost its integrity. Because of the loss of integrity, the Georgia Railroad was recommended not eligible for the NREP, and no further documentation or evaluation was recommended for this resource. The HPD staff did not concur with this recommendation. They disagreed with the finding that the railroad has lost its integrity. Their comments as well as those by the Georgia Department of Transportation, Office of Environment/Location are included in Appendix A. Appendix A also includes Brockington and Associates' reply to these comments.