Archaeological Survey of the SR 81 Bridge over the Alcovy River, Walton County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, the SR 81 Bridge over the Alcovy River, Walton County, has been surveyed with respect to archeological resources, especially those on or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The purpose of the survey was to locate, identify and evaluate the significance of any archaeological resources within the proposed project’s area of potential effect (APE).

The proposed project consists of emergency bridge stabilization on SR 81 over the Alcovy River, Walton County, Georgia. Due to the recent heavy rains, the sand-based support surrounding the steel beam bridge pillars has been completely washed away, leaving no structural support around the bridge pillars. The APE for this project begins at the banks of the river and proceeds east and west from the river for 500-ft. All work will take place within the existing right-of-way.

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

No National Register of Historic Places contributing elements were located on archeological sites within the proposed project's area of potential effect. It is concluded, therefore, that the project will have no effect upon archeological resources on or eligible for inclusion in the NRHP provided that the project conforms to that described above.