Archaeological Assessment of Project STP-2940(6), Pike County

The proposed project consists of the realignment of SR 362 to eliminate the existing "S" curve. The project would.also include realignment improvements on the adjacent intersecting streets: CR 196/Pine St., CR 249/Williamson Rd., and CR 44/Second District Rd. The proposed project on SR 362 would begin approximately 121.9 m (400 ft) west and end approximately 152.4 m (500 ft) east of the SR 362/CR 196 intersection. The existing right-of-way on SR 362 and CR 249 is approximately 30.4 m (100 ft) and 18.2 m (60 ft) respectively, while the existing right-of-way on CR 196 and CR 44 is approximately 9.1 meters (30 feet). The additional required right-of-way for the realignment of SR 362 and the intersecting streets varies from 0 to 15.2 m (0 to 50 ft). An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed rights-of-way was conducted for the entire length of the project corridor.

An archaeological survey (Level I) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT/FHWA Cultural Resource Survey Guidelines" developed by the GDOT Staff Archaeologists in consultation with DNR Historic Preservation Section Staff and concurred in by the Federal Highway Administration and State Historic Preservation Officer. These guidelines provide general survey boundaries and methodological approaches to archaeological surveys based on the type/scope of proposed highway projects and are followed during the initial identification of archaeological resources.

No existing or eligible National Register archaeological resources were located within the project's area of potential environmental effect. It is concluded, therefore, that the project will have no effect upon archaeological resources on or eligible for inclusion in the NRHP provided that the project conforms to that described above.