Archaeological Assessment of Project PR-476-1(059), Clarke County

The proposed project consists of the addition of a turn lane and the relocation of two segments of Tallassee Road in Athens. The project begins approximately 1150 feet west of the entrance ramps for the Athens Bypass and extends approximately 450 feet east of Breckinridge Lane. An estimated 600 feet of Mitchell Bridge Road would be relocated approximately 250 feet west of its present intersection with Tallassee Road. In addition, approximately 300 feet southeast of Forest Height Drive the alignment would shift north to new location for 600 feet. The total project length is approximately 1.7 miles. The existing right-of-way varies from 45 feet to 80 feet; the additional required right-of-way would vary from 15 feet to 90 feet (at the new location sections). An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed project corridor was conducted for the entire length of the project. The archaeological survey (Level I) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT/FHWA Cultural Resource Survey--Guidelines" developed by the GDOT Archaeologists in consultation with DNR Historic Preservation Section Staff and concurred with 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 proposed project's area of potential environmental effect. It is concluded, therefore, that the project will not affect archaeological resources in or eligible for inclusion in the National Register".