Archaeological Reassessment of Project NH-003-3(44), Formally FR-003-3(44), Clarke County

The original project proposed the relocation of the east bound off ramp terminal to intersect Hawthorn Avenue approximately 400 feet west of Prince Avenue in order to remove one leg of the existing five point intersection. The proposed project has been revised to locate both the eastbound on and off ramps to a point opposite Sunset Avenue, approximately 0.25 mile south of the existing location. The proposed beginning of the project would be shifted approximately 1700 feet south of the interchange of S.R. 15/Prince Avenue and the North Athens Bypass. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed project corridor was surveyed for the entire 0.58 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 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".