Archaeological Assessment of Project BHF-062-1(22), Emanuel County

The proposed project would consist of replacing the bridge spanning Sardis Creek along SR 57 in Emanuel County. The existing bridge is a 23.7-foot X 200-foot concrete and steel structure, and will be replaced with a 40-foot X 200-foot concrete and steel structure on existing alignment. Traffic will be maintained utilizing an on-site detour. Existing right-of-way is 100 feet. Additional required right-of-way on the south side of SR 57 is approximately 10 feet; Additional required right-of-way on the north side is approximately 15 feet. The on-site detour will require approximately 2.5 acres of temporary easement on the downstream side of Sardis Creek. The project length is approximately 1100 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 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 archaeological surveys based on the type/scope of work of proposed highway projects and are followed during the initial identification of archaeological resources. No existing or eligible National Register 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.