An Archeological and Architectural Survey of the Proposed Epps Bridge Road Widening Project

An archeological and architectural survey was undertaken in conjunction with proposed widening of Epps Bridge Road, located on the west side of Athens, Georgia. This portion of the road is about 2.5 miles long and connects the Athens Bypass with the Atlanta Highway (U.S. 78/29). The survey identified seven buildings that appeared to be at least 50 years old, and they were evaluated for National Register of Historic Places eligibility. One of the buildings, the Chestnut Grove school house, has already been nominated to the Register. Two of the remaining six buildings also appear to qualify for listing. The boundary of the National Register-listed Chestnut Grove School is defined as an arbitrary rectangle surrounding the building. Proposed boundaries for the other potentially eligible properties do not follow historic land divisions, due to the fact of numerous later subdivisions of the original and/or historic properties and periodic changes in the configuration of Epps Bridge Road. The proposed road widening will not infringe upon any of the proposed property boundaries nor will it have an appreciable visual impact upon the properties. The archeological survey located one site, designated 9CA 113. It contains remnants of a late nineteenth - early twentieth century house, and prehistoric lithic debris. It lies outside the proposed right-of-way and will not be affected by construction. Furthermore, it has been badly disturbed and is recommended as ineligible for listing on the National Register. From an archeological viewpoint, there are no significant resources within the road right-of-way, and construction will have no effect. In conclusion, the proposed road widening project will have no effect on any significant historic or prehistoric resources.