In late May 1999, Southeastern Archeological Services (SAS) conducted an intensive archeological survey of the proposed widening and new construction associated with improvements to Sardis Church Road, in southern Bibb County. The project, which measures approximately 8.6 km in length, begins just west of the intersection of Sardis Church Road and Interstate 75. It terminates to the southwest at Avondale Mill Road. The project includes the widening of approximately 2.5 km (1.6 mi) of existing two-lane road into a four-lane divided highway. In addition, about 6.1 kin (3.8 mi) of new highway are planned. The project corridor measures roughly 91.4 m (300 ft) in width. The survey recorded eight archeological sites and four artifact occurrences. One of the sites is a prehistoric lithic scatter, four are historic artifact scatters, and two contain both prehistoric and historic components (Table 1). Finally, one site consists of a historic cemetery. None of the sites are recommended eligible to the National Register of Historic Places. However, the cemetery (site 9BI109), which includes one marked and several unmarked graves, lies within 40 m of the existing right-of-way, and will therefore require protection. The limits of the cemetery should be delineated, and the road should be designed to avoid it. If this is not feasible, the cemetery should be relocated under the supervision of an archeologist.
Help us to continue to make advances in research, stewardship, and bringing the past to life. No matter the size of the gift, your contribution will directly support groundbreaking archaeological research through sustaining student and outreach programs, and technological innovations. To make a secure gift online to the Archaeology Lab Fund, CLICK HERE.