Archeological Survey of Project BRSLB-0736-00(005), PI #331770, Coweta County

The proposed project would consist of the replacement of the structurally deficient bridge on CR 546/Lower Fayetteville Road over Shoal Creek. The existing bridge, constructed in 1970, is a 140-ft. by 24-ft. concrete structure. CR 546/Lower Fayetteville Road is a rural two-lane road with 10-ft. lanes, variable 3-6-ft. wide shoulders, and a posted speed of 45 miles per hour. The project would construct a new 150-ft. by 40-ft. concrete bridge over Shoal Creek at the existing bridge site. The approaches would consist of two 12-ft. lanes with 10-ft. rural shoulders. The existing bridge would be closed to traffic during construction, and traffic would utilize an off-site detour. The existing right-of-way is 80 ft. wide, and the proposed right-of-way would vary up to approximately 120 ft. wide. The total length of the project would be approximately 0.40 mile, or 2,100 ft. An archeological survey consistent with these project specifications was performed within the project corridor. An archeological survey (Level II) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT/FHWA Cultural Resource Survey Guidelines" developed by the GDOT Staff Archeologists in consultation with DNR Historic Preservation Division Staff and concurred in by the Federal Highway Administration and State Historic Preservation Officer. These guidelines provide general survey boundaries and methodological approaches to archeological surveys based on the type/scope of work of proposed highway projects and are followed during the initial identification of archaeological resources. By agreement, since no archaeological resources were located within the project's area of potential effect, no signed concurrence form the State Historic Preservation Officer is required. 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.