An Archaeological Survey of Georgia Dot Project Bre-023-2 (4) Coffee and Telfair Counties.

Georgia Department of Transportation Project #BRF-023-2(4) in Coffee and Telfair Counties, proposes to replace the Jacksonville Ferry Bridge over the Ocmulgee River on U.S. 441/S.R. 31 (Figure 1). Al so to be replaced is the bridge over Gully/Gregory Creek located .8 mile north of the river. The Jacksonville Ferry Bridge will be replaced with the new centerline located 40 feet west of the existing centerline. This portion of the project is approximately 6500 feet long (from CL Station 1098 south of the bridge to CL Station 99 north of the bridge) and will be constructed entirely within existing right-of-way. The Gully/Gregory Creek bridge on U.S. 441/S.R. 31 will be replaced in place with a detour bridge located 24 feet east of the existing facility. All work will take place within the existing 100 feet of right-of-way and both sections will be two lane facilities. The archaeological survey for GDOT Project BRF-023-2(4) was conducted following the outline for a Level II survey (Minor New Ground Disturbances) of the "GDOT Archaeological Survey Guidelines." As such, preliminary examinations included project plan review as well as topographic map and aerial photographic inspection. No vigorous site file search was made, but a review of archaeological survey reports in the project area was conducted. No sites were found to be previously listed, but several high site probability areas were noted. Field survey included surface inspection of the entire alignment and shovel testing in obscured locations. The entire project south of the Ocmulgee River falls within a 300 foot graded right-of-way and most - 3 of the project here is also included within the back swamps and overflow channels of the Ocmulgee. North of the Ocmulgee the project passes through a wooded slough of the river and a cultivated field. The Gregory Creek replacement is both wooded and in fallow field east of U.S. 441. Also, County Road #206 ties into U.S. 441 just south of the bridge.