The Archeological Survey of 20 Bridges in Appling, Bacon, Bulloch, Candler, Evans, and Wayne Counties, Georgia

The Georgia Department of Transportation has contracted with J.B. Trimble to do maintenance on numerous bridges throughout the state. In turn, J.B. Trimble subcontracted with Edward-Pitman Environmental, Inc. and through them with Southeastern Archeological Services, Inc. to conduct cultural resource surveys at each location.

         The surveys were performed so that the Georgia Department of Transportation is in compliance with federal regulations concerning the identification and protection of significant cultural resources (National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended; 36CFR800).

         As stated in the concept reports the proposed projects consist of replacing the existing substandard pile bent substructure with new pile bent at the same location. All work will be done within existing right-of-way and the bridge will be closed to traffic during construction. The existing concrete" "beams will be removed, salvaged and stored at the site on either the existing pavement or shoulder. The existing concrete bent cap will be removed and the existing timber pile cut off below the ground line. New timber or pre-stressed concrete pilings will be driven at the same location as the existing bents and new concrete bent caps constructed. Finally, the existing beams will be reset on the new substructures and guardrail will be added to the bridges. All heavy equipment will remain in the pavement and shoulder area.

         A total of 20 bridge were surveyed during this project. These are located in southeast Georgia in Appling, Bacon, Bulloch Candler, Evans and Wayne Counties (Figure 1). This is the "pine barrens” portion of the Georgia Coastal Plain that include the Vidalia Upland and the Bacon Terraces (Hodler and Schrener 1986: 17).