Archaeological Assessment of Projects FR-009-2(79) and BHF-009-2(81), Chatham County

The proposed projects would reconstruct and widen US17/SR25 in Chatham County. The projects as proposed would begin at a point just north of the Ogeechee River Bridge then would extend northeasterly along US17/SR25 to a point just south of the SR204/Abercorn Street interchange. The existing bridge at Ogeechee River Overflow would be widened and a new parallel bridge would be constructed northwest of the existing bridge. In addition, the intersection of Basin Road would be relocated' south of its existing location. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed rights-of-way survey was conducted along the entire 2.75 mile length of the 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 surreys based on the type/scope of proposed highway projects and are followed during the initial identification of archaeological resources. No significant archaeological resources were located within the proposed project corridor as described in paragraph two above. It is concluded, therefore, that the project will not affect archaeological resources on or eligible for inclusion in the NRHP provided that the project conforms to that described above.