Phase I Archaeological Survey for the SR 53 and SR 183 Roundabout, Dawson County, Georgia

This report presents the results of a Phase I archaeological survey conducted for Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) project PI No. 0009938, in Dawson County, Georgia. The proposed project would reconstruct the existing at-grade intersection of SR 53 and SR 183 into a three-legged one-lane roundabout. The project would enhance safety and improve operational efficiency. The survey was conducted in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended (36 CFR 800). The goal of the survey was to identify any previously unrecorded archaeological resources that may be affected by the proposed GDOT project, and to evaluate those sites for potential eligibility for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Four previously unrecorded archaeological sites were identified during the survey: 9DW269, 9DW270, 9DW271 , and 9DW272. Sites 9DW269 and 9DW272 are recommended as ineligible for listing in the NRHP and no further investigation of these sites is recommended. The known portion of Site 9DW270 is non-contributing, but the overall NRHP eligibility is unknown because the site's boundaries extend beyond the environmental survey area. It is recommended that an ESA be designated at the site to protect the portion that extends beyond the environmental survey boundary. GDOT recommends that Site 9DW271 is potentially eligible for the NRHP. The site is located approximately 451 meters from the current intersection and approximately 120 meters from the limit of construction along SR 53. It is recommended that an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) is designated around the site and that orange barrier fencing be placed around the site to protect it from the roundabout construction.