Phase I Archaeological Resources Survey of the State Route (SR) 108 Bridge Replacement Over Shoal Creek, Cherokee County, Georgia.

In May 2021, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (VHB) conducted a Phase I archaeological resources survey of a proposed Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) bridge replacement along State Route (SR) 108 over Shoal Creek in Cherokee County, Georgia, approximately 4.5 miles (9.96 kilometers [km]) southwest of Waleska, Georgia. The proposed project, identified as Project PI No. 0016509, would replace the current bridge over Shoal Creek. SR 108 is a two-lane roadway with 12-foot (ft) (3.66-meter [m]) travel lanes, and 1-ft (0.30-m) paved shoulders. The total width of existing right-of-way (ROW) varies from 160 ft (48.7 m) to 206 ft (62.8 m).

Since the proposed project is in a preliminary concept phase, the survey area was defined by the limits of the Environmental Survey Boundary (ESB). The dimensions of the ESB were determined prior to fieldwork by the design team and were intended to encompass an area large enough to capture any potential variations in project design work. The proposed length of the project ESB along SR 108 is 4435.2 ft (1351.8 m), with a width which ranges between 360 ft (110 m) and 410 ft (125 m). The project ESB encompasses approximately 38.2 acres (ac) (15.5 hectares [ha]). The acquisition of ROW and temporary easement may be required to facilitate the construction of the project, although the exact amount of required ROW is unknown at this stage.

During the course of the archaeological investigation, a total of 188 shovel tests were excavated within the project ESB. A total of 145 shovel tests were negative for cultural material and features. One shovel test was positive for a single historic ceramic. As a result of slopes, gravel roadways, waterbodies, and modern structures a total of 42 shovel test were not excavated. These tests were recorded as “No Dig” and were subjected to visual inspection in lieu of subsurface testing. During pedestrian survey, remnants of a bridge associated with the previous alignment of SR 108 were identified within the project ESB. As a result of survey efforts, two new archaeological sites (9CK1397 and 9CK1398) were recorded.

Site 9CK1397 represents a razed historic structure, which was identified by a single positive shovel test and a standing stone chimney. The stone chimney is of vernacular design and is located outside of the project ESB. The limited artifact assemblage identified within the project ESB indicates that the site lacks integrity of association. As only one fragment of hand-painted whiteware was identified within the project ESB, 9CK1397 cannot be associated with any particular historic time period, or speak to what type of structure was associated with the chimney that is located outside of the project ESB. The portion of 9CK1397 within the project ESB therefore lacks integrity and significant data potential under Criterion D of the NRHP. As the site was not completely delineated due to the survey limits, its eligibility under Criterion D should be considered unknown. In addition, since there are unevaluated portions of site 9CK1397 located to the south of the project ESB, those areas are recommended to be considered Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) and demarcated with Orange Barrier Fencing (OBF). The placement of OBF will be determined later as project design advances. GDOT PI No. 0016356 - Management Summary – Archaeological Resources Survey.

Site 9CK1398 consists of the substructure remains of a historic bridge. The only portions of the bridge that remain intact are fieldstone and concrete bridge abutments as well as concrete piers. No elements of the bridge deck remain. As concrete abutments and piers were used to support a variety of different bridges, it is not possible to associate these bridge remains with any particular bridge type. Therefore, site 9CK1398 lacks integrity of association. The fieldstone abutments are characteristic of late nineteenth century to early twentieth century bridges in rural areas; however, these abutments have been later reinforced by concrete, and therefore lack integrity of material and design. Based on the results of the current survey, the portion of 9CK1398 within the project ESB lacks integrity and significant data potential under Criterion D of the NRHP. As the site was not completely delineated due to the survey limits, its eligibility under Criterion D should be considered unknown. In addition, since there are unevaluated portions of site 9CK1398 located to the northwest of the project ESB, those areas are recommended to be considered an ESA and demarcated with OBF. The placement of OBF will be determined later as project design advances.