Phase I Archaeological Survey of the Proposed SR20/SR212/Brown Bridge Road Interim Intersection Improvements, Newton County, Georgia

The GDOT Archaeological Report Short Form for Negative Findings conducted in September 2005 by URS Corporation describes a Phase I Archaeological Survey of the Proposed SR20/SR212 Brown Bridge Road Interim Intersection Improvements, Newton County, Georgia. The proposed project would consist of the addition of turn lanes and a traffic signal to the current SR20/SR212/ Brown Bridge Road intersection. In addition, the SR20/SR212 three-leg intersection would be relocated slightly north of its current position (see attached figures). Existing right-of-way varies from approximately 80 to 100 feet. The proposed right-of-way needed to accommodate the turn lanes at the SR20/SR212/Brown Bridge Road intersection has not been determined at this time; however, it is not anticipated to be great. The proposed relocation of the SR20/SR212 intersection would require the acquisition of 75 feet of new right-of-way and an additional 15 feet of temporary construction easement. The total length of the new right-of-way and easement segment would be approximately 400 feet. With regard to potential archaeological deposits, the APE is confined to the proposed ROW and easement needed to effect proposed improvements. According to the Soil Survey of Newton County, Georgia (Lathem 2000), the soil types found within the study area are Cecil sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, found on upland ridges; and Cecil sandy clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded, found on gently sloping upland hillsides. The study area lies atop a broad north-to-south trending ridge that overlooks Sampson Creek to the east. Vegetation within the study area consists mainly of grasses and trees typical of a residential/community setting. Some lots have been overtaken by successional vegetation. Disturbances related to road construction and residential/community/commercial development were noted within the study area. These include cutting, filling, grading, paving, and landscaping, as well as utilities emplacement. In addition, a church and cemetery occupy portions of the study area. The study area was examined completely through a combination of systematic and opportunistic shovel testing, and visual inspection. Shovel testing was limited to areas that were not significantly altered/impacted. No testing was conducted within the cemetery.