In May 2019, Edwards-Pitman, Inc. (EP) conducted a Phase r archaeological survey of the proposed Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) project at the intersection of State Route (SR) 3/Northside Drive and SR 8/North Avenue, in Fulton County. The project is designated as GDOT P.I. No. 0015318 and was completed for GDOT under contract with Jacobs Engineering Group (Jacobs). The purpose of this survey is to identify archaeological sites and evaluate their eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).
The proposed project is an intersection realignment that combines three signalized intersections at SR 3/Northside Drive, SR 8/North Avenue, and Lambert Street into one simplified intersection. The intersection 's southbound approach would feature dual left turn lanes, a through lane, and a shared through and right turn lane. The northbound approach would feature a left turn lane, two through lanes, and a right turn lane. The westbound approach would feature a left turn lane, a shared left turn and through lane, and dual right tum lanes. The eastbound approach would feature a left turn lane and a through and right turn lane. Curb and gutter and sidewalks would be rebuilt along the east side of SR 3/Northside Drive, the west side of SR 3/Northside Drive just past Lambert Street, and the north side of the SR 8/North Avenue westbound approach. The existing roadway connecting the intersection of SR 3/Northside Drive at SR 8/North Avenue and Lambert Street, and the intersection of SR 8/North Avenue at US 78 would be removed. The existing right-of-way (ROW) is 27.4 meters (m) (90 feet [ft]), and the proposed ROW would be 27.4 to 30.4 m (90 to I 00 ft).
No design plans existed at the time of survey. Thus, the survey area consists of an Environmental Survey Boundary (ESB) that Jacobs provided to EP. The ESB for EP's archaeological survey covers approximately- 9.02 hectares (ha) (22.3 acres [ac]) and includes the project limits, the required ROW, and easements. [t measures approximately 355 m (1,164.7 ft) wide and 378 m (1,240.2 ft) long. It is designed specifically to encompass all areas of possible/foreseeable ground disturbance as a result of the current project. When design is complete, the area of potential effect (APE) will likely be smaller than the ESB that is shown.
EP identified one new archaeological site, 9FU785. Archaeologists identified this historic house site upon encountering surface features on a razed lot. These surface features include two poured in- place concrete stairways, portions of a brick wall, and fragments of a brick and concrete masonry unit foundation. Archaeologists placed judgmental shovel tests near the center and back of the property to target areas with the highest potential for artifacts and data. However, all tests were negative for cultural material. Site 9FU785 appears to be ineligible for inclusion on the NRHP under Criteria A, B, and C. The razed site lacks subsurface integrity, and the existing surface features offer limited research potential for contributing to the understanding of English Avenue's historic residents. Therefore, EP recommends 9FU785 to be ineligible for inclusion on the NRHP under Criterion D.
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