Archaeological Survey for Proposed Reconstruction of the Interstate 16/ Interstate 75 Interchange, Bibb County, Georgia

From 21 February to 8 March 2000, Brockington and Associates, Inc., conducted Phase I intensive archaeological survey of the proposed I-16/1-75 interchange reconstruction project in Bibb County, Georgia. This archaeological survey was conducted for the Georgian Department of Transportation (GDOT) under a subcontract with Moreland Altobelli Associates, Inc., to determine the project's effect on significant archaeological resources and in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, as amended. The proposed improvements corridor is 6.42 km (3.99 mi) long, include the I-16/1-75 interchange and interstate highway segments adjoining this interchange. The area of potential effect (APE) for archaeological resources was defined as approximately 91 meters (300 ft) from edge of pavement on both sides of the existing highways. The current APE is not definitive, and will likely be reduced by subsequent design modifications. Background research encountered two previously recorded National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) historic districts located within the APE: Ocmulgee National Monument (ONM; listed 1975) and Ocmulgee Old Fields Traditional Cultural Property (OOF; determined eligible 1997). Both the ONM and the OOF include archaeological sites within their boundaries. Archaeological survey recorded one isolated find (Isolate 1) within the APE; no archaeological sites were identified. Isolate 1 consists of two artifacts (one pot sherd and one quartz flake) found in a disturbed area between an access road to a pumping station and a creek; this isolated find is recommended ineligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The project corridor section extending into the northwest edge of the ONM and the OOF historic districts was not surveyed. Reconstruction of the I-16/1-75 interchange could affect NRHP properties. The proposed corridor improvements extend into the northwest edges of the ONM and the OOF. The scope of improvements to existing I-16 ramps within these historic districts has not been determined, but construction is expected to be confined to the current maintained road corridor, inside the GDOT right-of-way. If proposed improvements extend beyond the current road corridor, archaeological investigations will be required. Any project construction on this corridor segment will require consultation with the National Park Service and designated tribal representatives to determine whether proposed construction will affect these NRHP historic properties. In addition to NRHP historic districts, portions of two cemeteries, Riverside and Linwood, are within the project APE. Riverside Cemetery is divided by I-75. Marked graves are present within the APE at Riverside and Linwood cemeteries. No unmarked graves associated with Riverside Cemetery were identified on the north or south sides of I-75. A portion of Linwood Cemetery is within the APE. This cemetery contains both historic and modern graves, and there is potential for additional (unmarked) graves within the APE. Construction near Riverside and Linwood cemeteries will require caution to avoid disturbance of marked and unmarked graves. If property from these cemeteries is impacted, or land use conversion is required, by the proposed project then compliance with the Official Code of Georgia 36-72 (OCGA 36-72) Abandoned Cemeteries and Burial Grounds, must take place prior to conversion.