Archaeological Assessment of Project STP-005-5(27), Bulloch County

Project STP-005-5(27) would add an eastbound and westbound passing lane on SR 26/US 80 in Bulloch County. Widening on the eastbound passing lane would begin on the south side of SR 26/US 80 at CR 102 (mile post 7.1) then continue easterly to an end point at CR 114 (mile post 8.2). Symmetrical widening on the westbound passing lane would begin on SR 26/US 80 at CR 99 (mile post 8.1) then continue easterly to an end point at CR 120 (mile post 9.3). The existing right-of-way on SR 26/US 80 is approximately 30.4 meters (100 feet), while the proposed additional required right-of-way will be a maximum of approximately 6.1 meters (20 feet). An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed project rights-of-way was conducted for the entire 3.7 kilometer (2.3 mile) 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.