Phase I Archaeological Survey for Pedestrian Improvements at 17 Intersections

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) proposed to update pedestrian facilities at 17 intersections in Catoosa, Murray, and Whitfield counties under PI No. 0013693. On behalf of GDOT, HNTB, Inc. (HNTB) contracted New South Associates, Inc. (NSA) to conduct a Phase I Archaeological Survey within the project’s Environmental Survey Boundary (ESB). The survey was conducted pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA), as amended (36 CFR 800). 

Because concept plans were not yet available at the time of the survey, and the precise area of potential effects (APE) has not yet been determined, this project is represented by an ESB that is designed to encompass all areas of possible ground disturbance that may result from the undertaking, including existing and proposed right-of-way (ROW) and all necessary easements. The ESB comprises 10 individual segments at 17 intersections, with two ESB segments containing two intersections each, one containing three intersections, and one containing four intersections. The total area of the combined ESB segments measures 127.1 acres (ac.; 51.5 hectares [ha]).

As a result of the survey, NSA recorded one new archaeological site: the Tunnel Hill Cemetery (9WD190). Visual, ground-penetrating radar (GPR), and probe surveys identified 64 known and potential gravesites within Intersection 11’s ESB. The cemetery’s eligibility for the listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) under Criterion D is recommended as unknown because the preservation of skeletal remains, grave construction, potential grave goods, and other aspects with scientific value cannot be assessed without excavation. An environmentally sensitive area (ESA) is recommended to protect the cemetery.