Archaeological Reassessment of Project STP-004-2(31), Jones County

Project STP-004-2(3 1) would construct the Gray Bypass in Jones County. This proposed project was subjected to three previous archaeological surveys: September 2000 and July 2001 by Southeastern Archeological Services, Inc. and a subsequent survey by Teresa Lotti in January 2002 (HPD# HP000628-004). Since that time the proposed project has been changed to include two small mainline alignment shifts and an intersection improvement at Greene Settlement Road. The mainline shift begins 800 feet north of the current SR 22/SR 18 intersection. This segment extends for 2000 feet and shifts the alignment 30 feet to the northeast (right) of what was originally proposed. The second portion of the mainline shift begins approximately 1600 feet north of where the proposed Gray Bypass intersects with US 129/SR 44. At this segment the proposed alignment shifts 10 feet to the south (right) for the entire 1600 feet. The alignment shift along Greene Settlement Road begins 1600 feet to the north of its proposed intersection with the Gray Bypass. It travels south shifting completely onto new location, west of its current alignment, for 1500 feet. The proposed right-of-way for the Gray Bypass is still 250 feet. The existing right-ofway along Green Settlement Road is 80 feet. The required right-of-way varies with a total of an additional 20 feet, with the new location segment at a total of 100 feet. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed project description was conducted along the entire length of the 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 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.