Archaeological Assessment of Project STP-164-1(38), Coweta County

The proposed project consists of a symmetrical widening of SR 34 to the inside, changing the existing four lane highway and 19.5 meter (64 feet) depressed grass median to a six lane highway with a 12.1 meter (forty feet) depressed grass median. The project would begin approximately 0.48 kilometer (0.3 mile) west of the SR 34/SR 34 Bypass then continue northeasterly along SR 34 to an end point approximately 0.12 kilometer (0.075 mile) east of the SR 34/1-85 interchange. Existing right-of-way on SR 34 is approximately 76.2 meters (250 feet), and no additional right-of-way is required. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed rights-of-way was conducted for the entire 2.01 kilometer (1.25 mile) project corridor. An archaeological survey (Level I) 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.