Archaeological Reevaluation Survey Project STP-M002-00(960), Dougherty County; HP 050523-004

The proposed project would consist of bridge pier rehabilitation for GDOT Bridge Structure ID 095-00510, which carries Broad Ave over the Flint River, in the city of Albany, Georgia. Project implementation would include the construction of concrete caissons at each end of the two bridge piers located in the river. The caissons would be mostly below the waterline and would stabilize and strengthen the two piers. Once the two caissons are in place then the pier footings will be reconstructed. The bridge was closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic in February 2009 due to the threat of structural failure cause by severe erosion and cracks in the bridge piers and footing areas. The project was originally surveyed in 2005 by Luke Erickson and has since changed to include the installation of concrete caissons to prevent structural failure. No additional right-of-way is required. 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. By agreement, since no archaeological resources were located within the project's area of potential effect, no signed concurrence form the State Historic Preservation Officer is required. 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.