The purpose of this project is to replace two substandard bridges along State Route (SR) 322 at two locations in Jackson County; SR 322 over Walnut Creek Overflow (Structure ID 157-0028-0) and SR 322 over Walnut Creek (Structure ID 157-0029-0) (Figure 1). The existing typical section of SR 322 consists of two 12-foot travel lanes along with 6-foot rural shoulders. Bridge Structure ID 157-0028-0 has a length of 81 feet and width of 30 feet and bridge Structure ID 157-0029-0 has length of 120 feet and width of 30 feet. The proposed project will replace these two structures due to their low sufficiency rating. It is expected that road closures and detours will be utilized. Existing Right-Of-Way (ROW) measures I 05 feet. Project plans are still in development and the proposed width of required ROW is 128 feet.
An environmental survey area layout was provided to the GDOT Office of Environmental Services (OES) that should incorporate all possible design alternatives for the project within its boundaries (Figure 2). The environmental survey boundary measures l,269 feet in length along SR 322 starting just 200 feet east of McNeal Road and varies in width between 250 feet and 300 feet following the centerline and ends 375 feet west of Gary Watson Road.
Changes to the project have occurred since the original archaeological assessment. The preferred alignment shifted slightly to the north of SR322. The proposed project description has not changed. As a result of alignment shift, required ROW shifted outside of the environmental survey area by 19 feet for a length of 435 feet.
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