Archaeological Reassessment of Project IM-NH-985-1(311), Gwinnett County

Project IM-NH-985-1(311) would reconstruct the SR 20/1-985 diamond interchange in Buford, Georgia. The proposed project on 1-985 would begin and end approximately 0.24 kilometer (0.15 mile) north and south of SR 20, while the proposed project on SR 20 would begin approximately 0.14 kilometer (0.09 mile) east and end approximately 0.48 kilometer (0.30 mile) west of 1-985. Also, the proposed project would relocate the Horizon Parkway/SR 20 intersection on new location approximately 290 meters (950 feet) west of its existing location to intersect with Satellite Parkway north of SR 20. The additional required right-of-way needed for the proposed project would be a maximum of approximately 95 meters (310 feet). An archaeological survey consistent with the project description was conducted for 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.