Archaeological Reassessment of Project PI#0000703, Dekalb County

This project consists of traffic signal upgrades at 34 intersections in DeKalb County, Georgia. The project would upgrade traffic signal displays and signal control equipment, provide better signal coordination through new signal interconnection cable, and improve pedestrian safety with crosswalk, pedestrian signals, and sidewalk ramps where appropriate. The project would also construct sidewalks at five (5) intersections. The proposed improvements would involve small amounts of right-of-way and/or easement, taken within the immediate vicinity of the various intersections. This project has been previously surveyed by Edwards-Pitman Environmental during reviews in 2003 and 2006. These surveys resulted in negative findings. At this time, the project has been revised to increase and/or reduce the amount of right-of-way and/or easement at twenty (20) of the intersections. An archaeological review consistent with these project revisions was undertaken for the project corridor. An archaeological survey (Level I) 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 archaeological surveys based on the type/scope of work of proposed highway projects and are followed during the initial identification of archaeological resources. By agreement, since no archaeological resources were located within the project's area of potential effect, no signed concurrence form the State Historic Preservation Officer is required. 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.