Archaeological Assessment of IM-475-1 (206), Bibb/Monroe Counties

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, IM-475-1 (206), Bibb/ Monroe Counties has been surveyed with respect to archaeological resources, especially those on or eligible for inclusion in the national Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The purpose of the survey was to locate, identify and evaluate the significance of any archaeological resources within the proposed project's area of potential environmental effect. The proposed project consists of the construction of an inside travel lane and rehabilitation of the concrete pavement on I-475. The travel lane would measure approximately 3.7 m (12 ft l with a 3. 0 m (10 ft) shoulder and would utilize area from the existing median. The project would begin just south of the I-475 / I-75 connector in Bibb County and would extend north along I-475 to end at US 41 / SR 19 in Monroe County. Also included in the proposed project would be the widening to the inside of the bridges over SR 22 / US 80 and Rocky Creek. The existing right-of-way is approximately 103.6 m (340 ft). No additional right-of-way would be required for the completion of the proposed project. An archaeological survey consistent with the project description was conducted a long the entire 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.