Archaeoloigcal Survey of Project BRZLB-263(3), Talbot County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project BRZLB-263(3), Talbot County, has been surveyed with respect to archeological 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 archeological resources within the proposed project's area of potential environmental effect. The proposed project would replace a narrow and structurally deficient bridge on CR 17/Gorman Road over the CSX Railroad in the city of Talbotton (see attached location map). The existing bridge is 86 ft by 17 ft with a timber substructure, timber main supports, and timber deck. A proposed bridge would be 120 ft by 30 ft, with 21.6 ft approaches and 6 ft rural shoulders. An additional 60 ft (30 ft symmetrically along both sides of the road) of right-of-way would be required. The existing roadway would be closed to traffic during construction and routed using an off site detour. An archeological survey (Level II) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT/FHWA Cultural Resource Survey Guidelines" developed by the GDOT Staff Archeologists 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 archeological surveys based on the type/scope of work of proposed highway projects and are followed during the initial identification of archaeological resources. In addition to the land surveyed by GDOT archaeologists a section of right-of-way that belongs to the U.S. Corps of Engineers has already been cleared by the Georgia State Historic Preservation Office. Please the attachment for more information on this clearance. 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 archeological resources on or eligible for inclusion in the NRHP provided that the project conforms to that described above.