On March 1, 2000, Southeastern Archeological Services (SAS) conducted an intensive archeological survey for the proposed replacement of the S.R. 19 bridge over Ochwalkee Creek, in Wheeler County, Georgia. The work was conducted for the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), through the engineering firm of Parsons Brinckerhoff. The bridge will be replaced in place. A temporary bridge will be constructed parallel to the existing structure. The survey included the area 30 m (100 ft) either side of the existing bridge and rights-of-way for 300 m (1200 ft) on both approaches to the bridge. Although precise designs for the new bridge have yet to be formulated, the area of potential effect will be smaller than the survey area. The survey located two archeological sites. One of these (9WL90) consists of a historic period cemetery dating to the twentieth century. The other site (9WL91) includes what appear to be the remains of the older bridge over Ochwalkee Creek. Both of the sites are recommended ineligible to the National Register of Historic Places, because they fail to meet the minimum requirements set forth under criterion "d." However, the cemetery qualifies for protection under state cemetery and burial protection laws (Code Section 36-72).
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