Phase I Archaeological Survey of the Proposed Yellow River Trail Project Area

The total length of the proposed Turkey Creek/Yellow River Multi-Use Trail would be 4.75 miles, and consist of a 10-foot wide asphalt trail and grassed shoulders. The trail would begin within Turner Park. Portions of an existing paved trail within the Park would be improved and widened for the multi-use trail. Beyond this existing paved section, the trail would be constructed on new alignment in wooded areas of the Park, and cross Turkey Creek with a clear span bridge. This would conclude the portion of the trail within the Park. After the trail leaves the Park boundary, the alignment would generally follow along the Yellow River, southward towards the City of Porterdale. The trail would cross the Yellow River approximately 500 feet north of Browns Bridge Road on a 140-foot prefabricated bridge. The trail would continue under the existing Brown Bridge Road bridge that crosses the Yellow River, and continue southward for approximately 4,000 feet before it again crosses the Yellow River with an approximately 100-foot clear span bridge. From this point to the end of the proposed trail, the alignment would be on new alignment through wooded undeveloped land, to the City of Porterdale. The multi-use trail would terminate at an existing paved oval track within a city park in Porterdale. To minimize impacts, the trail from Turner Park to the second crossing of the Yellow River south of Brown Bridge Road would be constructed within an existing Newton County sewer line easement. Where wetlands are encountered the trail would be constructed on elevated boardwalk to minimize impacts. Bridges would be constructed to clear span streams and rivers. The proposed right-of-way in areas outside the existing sewer line easement would vary from 20 to 40 feet. The trail would be constructed in compliance with Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations.