Phase I Archaeological Survey of the Proposed Signal Upgrades and Improvements to 18 Intersections, Baldwin County, Georgia

In October 2011 and May 2012, Edwards-Pitman Environmental, Inc. (EPEI) conducted an archaeological survey for the proposed signal upgrades to 18 intersections (Georgia Department of Transportation [GDOT] Project No. CSSTP-0007-00[362], P.I. No. 0007362) in Baldwin County, Georgia (Figures 1.1-1.3). See Table 1.1 for intersection locations. The goal of the survey was to locate and evaluate archaeological sites within the area of potential effect (APE) and expanded survey corridor (ESC) of the proposed undertaking so that potential effects to identified resources could be evaluated in accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). The combined APE and ESC are referred to as the project area. All work for this project was conducted for GDOT under a contract with Wolverton and Associates. The scope of work varies at each intersection. Most intersections will receive upgrades and improvements that will consist of new span wires, back plates, quadropole or setback loops, overhead street signs, stop bar and crosswalk striping, new strain, pedestrian, or joint use poles, wheelchair ramps, and new cabinet and controller hardware. Improvements vary from intersection to intersection, as does their location at each intersection. All pedestrian improvements including signal heads, sidewalks, and wheelchair ramps will be constructed in compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. All construction is currently anticipated to occur within existing right-of-way (ROW). The following chapters of this report summarize the results of the 2011-2012 archaeological survey. The natural setting of the project area is described in Chapter II and a discussion of the historical and cultural context of the region and project vicinity is found in Chapter III. Chapter IV describes the field and laboratory methodologies used during the project. Chapter V describes the results of the archaeological survey. Finally, in Chapter VI, the project as a whole is summarized and recommendations for the project area specified. Appendix A includes Georgia archaeological site forms and Appendix B is the resume of the Principal Investigator.