Archaeologcial Assessment of Project HDP-RR-9104(001), Richmond County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, the proposed project has been surveyed with respect to archaeological resources, especially those on or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The purpose of the survey was to locate, identify and evaluate the significance of any archaeological resources within the project area. The proposed project would construct on new location an overpass at the CSX Railroad on olive Road in Augusta. The proposed project would begin approximately 200 feet south of Wharton Drive then would extend northerly on new location before tying back into Olive Road approximately 300 feet north of Hiram Road. Existing right-of-way along olive Road is approximately 60 feet. An additional 90 to 280 feet of right-of-way would be required. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed rights-of-way was surveyed for the entire 0.47 mile length of the proposed project corridor. An archaeological survey (Level I) was conducted in accordance with GDOT/FHWA Cultural Resource Survey Guidelines developed by the GDOT Staff Archaeologists in consultation with DNR Historic Preservation Section Staff and concurred in by the Federal Highway Administration and State Historic Preservation Officer. These guidelines provide general survey boundaries and methodological approaches to archaeological surveys based on the type/scope of proposed highway projects and are followed during the initial identification of archaeological resources.