Phase 1 Arcaheological Survey of Due West Road Culvert Replacement at Possum Creek, Paulding Site #3, Paulding County, Georgia

During the heavy rain event in September of 2009, extensive flooding caused damage to the existing culverts that run under Due West Road at Possum Creek in Paulding County, Georgia. Specifically, the three existing 60" corrugated metal pipe. culverts were washed out and damage to the roadway occurred. This damage caused the roadway to be impassable in the area of Possum Creek. Paulding County was declared a federal disaster area due to extensive flooding in late 2009. Due West Road is a local road on the Federal Highway System and was not eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) relief. However, it is eligible for up to 100 percent of repair costs through Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Emergency Repairs funding. The emergency repair/action consisted of contractors for the Paulding County DOT installing three new 72" reinforced concrete pipe culverts and resurfacing approximately 150 feet of Due West Road. The repairs also consisted of re-grading the eroded areas on either side of Due West Road at the creek crossing and re-grading of the roadside ditches. The estimated construction area consisted of approximately 150 feet along the road, centered over the culverts and an approximately 75-foot-wide area measured along the culverts, centered over the road. The action was completed on October 26, 2010, when the road was re-opened to traffic. Construction activities occurred within the right-of-way for the road, which caused disruption to traffic. Road closed signs were posted at either end of the construction area, with road closed warning signs posted on Due West Road at its intersection with Dallas-Acworth Highway (SH 381) to the west and Mt. Tabor Church Road to the east. Access to area was maintained via Dallas-Acworth Highway and Mt. Tabor Church Road. Work did occur within the channel of Possum Creek. As a result of the flooding event, it was determined that three 60" culverts were not sufficient to carry the amount of water flowing in Possum Creek during major storm events (i.e., storm events that exceed the 25-year, 24-hour flow). Three 72" culverts were installed to increase the flow capacity as much as possible without changing the centerline profile to the road. The increase in size increases the level of flood protection for the areas adjacent to the creek to reduce flood damage in this area in the future. No improvements were made to Due West Road.