On March 11, 2009, Edwards-Pitman Environmental, Inc. (EPEI) conducted a Phase I archaeological investigation of the proposed intersection improvements at State Route (SR) 24 7 at County Route (CR) 189/Walker Road in Peach County, Georgia. The project limits on SR 247 Connector would extend approximately 693 ft east and west of the intersection. The project limits on John E. Sullivan Road would extend approximately 1,070 ft south of the intersection. The project limits on Walker Road would extend approximately 743 ft north of the intersection. The project would also extend approximately 70ft west of Walker Road on Summit Drive. The total project length would be approximately 3,269 ft (0.62 mile).
The goal of the survey was to locate and evaluate archaeological sites within the Area of Potential Effect (APE) of the proposed undertaking, so that potential effects to any resources identified could be evaluated in accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. The project was conducted under a contract with Gresham, Smith and Partners.
An examination of the Georgia Archaeological Site Files (GASF) at the University of Georgia in Athens showed that no previously recorded archaeological sites are located in the project corridor or within a one kilometer radius. Research at the site files also showed no previous surveys in the APE.
During the Phase I survey, one historic archaeological site, 9PE43, was identified in the original project corridor. Shovel testing was conducted to the southern edge of the original APE to determine if the site extended beyond it. Results of shovel testing indicated that the site did extend south of the original APE, and that it is potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The project has since been redesigned to exclude approximately 600 feet of the original project corridor and the new project corridor will not impact 9PE43. Based on the revised plans, no archaeological sites will be affected, and clearance for construction is recommended.
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