Archaeological Assessment of Project BHF-028-2 (15), Bleckley-Laurens Counties

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, the proposed project has been surveyed with respect to archaeological resources, especially those on or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The purpose of the survey was to locate, identify and evaluate the significance of any archaeological resources within the project area. The proposed project would replace the existing bridge on S.R.26 at Rocky Creek. The project would begin at a point approximately 375 feet southwest of the existing bridge and would end approximately 375 feet northeast of the bridge. An on-site temporary detour would be constructed northwest of the existing bridge to facilitate traffic during construction. Existing right-of-way is 100 feet. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed project rights-of-way was surveyed for the entire length of the project corridor. An archaeological survey (Level III) was conducted in accordance with GDOT/FHWA Cultural Resource Survey Guidelines developed by the GDOT Staff Archaeologists in consultation with DNR Historic Preservation Section Staff and concurred in by the Federal Highway Administration and State Historic Preservation Officer. These guidelines provide general survey boundaries and methodological approaches to archaeological surveys based on the type/scope of proposed highway projects and are followed during the initial identification of archaeological resources.