Archaeological Reassessment of Project STP-0004-00(048), Gordon County

STP-0004-00(048) proposes to improve the intersection of SR 53 and McDaniel Station Road/CR 5. State Route 53 would be widened to add right turn lanes in both directions and the left turn lanes would be extended. McDaniel Station Road/CR 5 would be widened to add left turn lanes for both approaches and an auxiliary right-turn lane in the north direction. This project (HP-020408-015) was originally surveyed in June 2002 by Thomas J. Pluckhahn of Southeastern Archeological Services, Inc. Since that time the project has been changed to relocate McDaniel Station Road/CR 5 fifty (50) feet to the west from its existing alignment. This project also has been changed to include variable lengths of easement for construction and maintenance of slopes and variable lengths of easement for construction of drives outside of the existing right of way. An archaeological survey consistent with the project revisions was conducted along the project corridor. An archaeological survey (Level II) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT/FHWA Cultural Resource Survey Guidelines" developed by the GDOT Staff Archaeologists in consultation with DNR Historic Preservation Division 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 work of proposed highway projects and are followed during the initial identification of archaeological resources. No existing or eligible National Register resources were located within the project's area of potential environmental effect. It is concluded, therefore, that the project will have no effect upon archaeological resources on or eligible for inclusion in the NRHP provided that the project conforms to that described above.