Phase I Archaeological Survey of Intersection Improvements at Nine Locations, Ralph D. Abernathy Boulevard (SR 139) and Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard

This project would mostly be completed within existing right-of-way (ROW), although there is a potential for small areas of required ROW or easement to add traffic control equipment such as pedestal poles or conduits. The APE for each intersection was defined during a scoping meeting between GDOT and New South Associates and in a limited scope concept report provided by Atkins. Along the main streets (SR 139 and Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard), the corridor extends 280 feet (85 m) from either side of the affected intersection. On the intersecting street, the corridor extends 100 feet (30 m) from either side of the intersection. While the concept report calls for project limits of 500 feet (152 m) from the center of the intersection for setback loop replacement, that length was reduced to 280 feet (85 m) on the main street and 100 feet (30 m) on side streets based on the posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour (mph) for the involved roads. The APE width measured 50 feet (15 m) from either side of the centerline of main and intersecting streets. However, the APE at Intersection E (Lucile A venue SW and Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard) was wider than 50 feet to include the westbound ramps of I-20 as well as surface streets. The APE at Intersection H (Inman Street SW, Lucile Avenue SW, and SR 139) was expanded to include property on the southwest side of SR 139. An area measuring 100 feet (30 m) wide beyond the outer edge of the APE was defined as the ESC for all intersections. This archaeological survey involved background research, fieldwork, and analysis and assessment of identified archaeological sites. Background research was performed to determine if the project area contained any previously recorded archaeological sites or if any were located within one kilometer (0.6 mi.) of the APE, as well as to identify National Register of Historic Places (NRHP)-listed or -eligible properties within the APE. The background research also involved reviewing data on historic streetcar lines in the APE (Sullivan et al. 2012). Fieldwork consisted of systematic investigation of the APE to determine the presence of archaeological resources and assess their size, context, and integrity. Fieldwork included shovel testing, metal detector survey, cemetery probing, and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) survey. Analysis involved determining the chronology and function of sites identified as well as their historical associations, integrity, and potential archaeological significance. Scot Keith served as Principal Investigator and Corey McQuinn served as Project Archaeologist. Survey shovel testing fieldwork was completed between June 18 and 21, 2016. Metal detecting took place from September 26-30, 2016. Field technicians included Erika Carpenter, Jared Aguayo, and Jason Brown. Hugh Matternes, Mortuary Archaeologist, performed subsurface probing at Westview Cemetery in Intersection I on September 28, 2016. Sarah Lowry and Josh Blackmon conducted the GPR fieldwork on October 18, 2016.