Archaeological Assessment of Project IM-85-1(356), Coweta County

The proposed project would consist of the upgrade of the I-85/SR 34 interchange. Also included in this project would be the wideping of the 1-85 bridge over SR 34 and the addition of a southbound auxiliary lane on 1-85 north of the loop ramp. This project would begin approximately 1.5 km (.93 mi) south of the interchange and ends approximately 3.17 km (1.97 mi) north of the interchange. Existing right-of-way along 1-85 is approximately 91 m (298.6 ft) and along SR 34 is 24.4 m (80 ft). The additions to 1-85 would be confined to the existing right-of-way. The interchange improvements, however, would require the addition of approximately 76 m (249.4 ft) of right-of-way along SR 34. An archaeological survey consistent with the project description was conducted along 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 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. No existing or eligible National Register archaeological 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.