The proposed projects would reconstruct and widen S.R. 15/U.S. 441 and U.S. 129/Macon Highway beginning at old S.R. 207/C.R. 274 north of Watkinsville and extending northeasterly to South Milledge Avenue in Athens. Required right-of-way varies from 15 to 98 feet. In addition, the bridge over McNutt Creek would be widened on the east side and the bridge over the middle Oconee River would be widened symmetrically. A survey consistent with the proposed rights-of-way was surveyed for the entire 2.99 mile length of 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 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 significant archaeological resources were located within the proposed project corridor as described in paragraph two above. 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".
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