Archaeological Assessment of Project STP-1253(5), Peach County

The proposed project is the relocation on new location of SR 42 in Byron, Georgia from CR 183 to SR 49 for a total of 0.6 kilometer (0.4 mile). Two alternates were surveyed: Alternate A begins on SR 42 at the SR 42/CR 183 intersection then continues southeasterly to an end point at SR 49 approximately 0.24 kilometer (0.15 mile) south of CR 182; Alternate B begins on SR 42 at the SR 42/CR 183 intersection then continues easterly to an end point at SR 49 approximately 0.12 kilometer (0.08 mile) north of CR 182. The proposed new location alignment will utilize a maximum of approximately 70 meters (230 feet) of additional required right-of-way. 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.