Archeological Survey of Project BR-0004-00(729), Muscogee County

Archeological Survey of Project BR-0004-00(729), Muscogee County. The proposed project would consist of the replacement of two structurally deficient bridges located on Brown Avenue and crossing over the Southern Railroad and Bragg Smith Street within the city limits of Columbus (see attached location map). The existing typical section includes two 12 foot travel lanes with 6-inch curb, 5 foot sidewalks on one side and guardrail on both sides. The proposed typical section would include two 12 foot travel lanes with curb and gutter and ten foot shoulders to include 2 foot grass strips, 5 foot sidewalks and guardrails. Existing right-of-way varies from 60-100 feet. Proposed right-of-way would vary from 100-200 feet. An archeological survey (Level II) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT/FHWA Cultural Resource Survey Guidelines" developed by the GDOT Staff Archeologists 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 archeological surveys based on the type/scope of work of proposed highway projects and are followed during the initial identification of archaeological resources. In addition to the land surveyed by GDOT archaeologists a section of right-of-way that belongs to the U.S. Corps of Engineers has already been cleared by the Georgia State Historic Preservation Office. Please the attachment for more information on this clearance. 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 archeological resources on or eligible for inclusion in the NRHP provided that the project conforms to that described above.