Phase I Archaeologicl Survey of the Proposed Liberty Expressway (US19-SR3)/ Moultrie Road (SR133) Intersection Improvements Corridor Dougherty County, Georgia

From 24 to 28 July 2000, Brockington and Associates, Inc., conducted an intensive archaeological resources survey of the Liberty Expressway (US19-SR3)/Moultrie Road (SR133) intersection in Dougherty County, Georgia. These investigations were carried out under Task Order 7 (Project Number NH-006-2 [57J Dougherty Co./P.I. Number 422570) with Greenhome & O'Mara, Inc., for the Georgia Department of Transportation. The project was conducted in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, and 36 CFR Part 800, by personnel qualified under 36 CFR Part 61. The Liberty Expressway/Moultrie Road intersection is located east of Albany, Georgia, and west of the Marine Corps Logistics Base. The survey area for this project includes a 122 meter (400 ft) right-of-way along the Liberty Expressway which runs north to south approximately 1,677 meters (5,500 ft). It includes a 122 meter (400 ft) right-of-way along Moultrie Road which runs northwest to southeast approximately 1,586 meters (5,200 ft). It also includes a 122 meter (400 ft) right-of-way along all entrance and exit ramps. The project goals were to identify all archaeological resources within and adjacent to the project corridor. We conducted background research to identify previously recorded archaeological resources within and adjacent to the project corridor. We conducted research at the Georgia Archaeological Site Files (Athens) and the Georgia Historic Preservation Division (Atlanta). We also examined sources relating to the prehistory and history of Dougherty County, as well as Georgia as a whole. The project area contains no previously identified archaeological resources. There are no previously recorded archaeological resources within 0.8 km (0.5 mi) of the project corridor. During field survey, we conducted judgmental shovel testing near the center of the Liberty Expressway/Moultrie Road intersection. This included right-of-way areas for exit and entrance ramps. Shovel testing revealed soils that were heavily disturbed by past road construction activity. Two transects were then run on each side of the Liberty Expressway and Moultrie Road. The transects ran parallel to these roads until they reached the entrance and exit ramps. The transects then followed the outer right-of-way of the ramps. Shovel testing revealed one archaeological site (9DU134), a prehistoric lithic scatter, in the southwest quadrant of the project area. This site is recommended ineligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). No further work is needed at site 9DU134. No significant archaeological sites will be affected by the Liberty Expressway (US 19SR3)/Moultrie Road (SR133) intersection improvements project. We recommend archaeological resources clearance to proceed with proposed intersection improvements.