Archaeological Reassessment of Project BRF-082-1 (15), Murray County

Project BRF-082-1(15) would widen the existing roadway and bridge structure over the L & N Railroad on SR 52 in Murray County. Also, there would be a relocation of Holly Street as it approaches SR 52 from the south. The proposed project has changed and now begins at the SR 61/US 76/411 intersection where it would continue in an easterly direction to an endpoint approximately 1010 feet east of the L & N Railroad Bridge. The existing right-of-way on SR 52 is variable from approximately 80 to 160 feet. A maximum of approximately 110 feet would be needed for the construction of the required right-of-way on SR 52. The additional required right-of-way needed for the proposed construction of the Holly Street connector would be a maximum of approximately 300 feet. A few temporary easements of variable sizes have also been added to the proposed project. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed project description was conducted along the entire 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.