Archaeological Assessment of GDOT Project BRST-030-3(27), Wheeler County

The Archaeological Assessment of GDOT Project BRST-030-3(27), Wheeler County was conducted by GDOT in November 2005. In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project BRST-030-3(27), Wheeler County, Georgia, 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 proposed project's area of potential environmental effect. The proposed project would consist of the replacement of a structurally deficient and substandard load bridge on SR 30/US 280 over Ochwalkee Creek, 1.0 mile east of Glenwood, in Wheeler County. The existing bridge is proposed to be replaced with a 200' x 44' bridge, with the final length being determined by the bridge design office. The existing roadway will be realigned slightly to the south to flatten out the curve and improve safety. Traffic would be maintained on the existing bridge during construction of the proposed bridge. The old bridge section may be retained in its entirety after completion of the project and used for public purposes. Existing right-of-way is 100 feet and proposed right-of-way would be 150 feet. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed project description was conducted for the entire project corridor. An archaeological survey (Level II) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT/FHWA Cultural Resource Survey Guidelines" developed by the GDOT Staff Archaeologists in consultation with DNR Historic Preservation Division 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 work of proposed highway projects and are followed during the initial identification of archaeological resources. No existing or eligible National Register resources were located within the project's area of potential environmental effect. It is concluded, therefore, that the project will have no effect upon archaeological resources on or eligible for inclusion in the NRHP provided that the project conforms to that described above.