Archaeological Assessment of Project EDS-555(6), Bulloch County

The proposed project would widen the West Statesboro Bypass from a 2-lane to a 4-lane highway. The project would begin at the intersection of US 301 and continue south to end at the intersection of US 80. Existing right-of-way is approximately 61 m (200 ft). This area is sufficient to accommodate the proposed widening. Six areas of additional required right-of-way are necessary for the construction of turn lanes and anchoring systems at guardrail locations. These areas vary from approximately 3.0 m (10 ft) to 12.2 m (40 ft) wide and 76.2 m (250 ft) to 304.8 m (1000 ft) long. An archaeological survey consistent with the project description was conducted along 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 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. No existing or eligible National Register archaeological 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.