Archaeological Assessment of Project FR-164-1(28), Project IR-75-2(170), and Project IR-75-2(174), Clayton County

Project FR-164-1(28) Spur consists of the widening and reconstruction of SR 54 beginning at the intersection of SR 138 Bypass in Jonesboro and extending 1000 feet north of the intersection with oxford Drive in Morrow, with a 1200 foot exception for project IR-75-2(174). The proposed right-of-way varies between 130 to 140 feet; the total project length is 3.46 miles. Project IR-75-2(170) consists of the extension of Lee Street (which presently ends on both sides of 1-75) over 1-75 by constructing a bridge of sufficient length to span future improvements to 1-75. The total project length is approximately 400 feet. Project IR-75-2(174) consists of the widening of SR 54 in Morrow from the radius return of the 1-75 southbound exit ramp extending northward across 1-75 to the radius return of the 1-75 northbound entrance ramp; the relocation of the parallel Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks, including a railroad bridge over 1-75; and the relocation of 720 feet of Barton Road to the north from Mt. Zion Road to Southlake Parkway. An archaeological survey (Level I) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT/FHWA Cultural Resource Survey Guidelines" developed by the GDOT Archaeologists in consultation with DNR Historic Preservation Section Staff and concurred with 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 significant archaeological resources were located within the proposed corridor as described in paragraph two above. It is concluded, therefore, that the project will not affect archaeological resources on or eligible for inclusion in the NRHP provided that the project conforms to that described above.