Phase 1 Archaeological Survey of Due West Road Bridge Abutment Replacement at Picketts Mill Creek, Paulding Site #4, Paulding County, Georgia

During the heavy rain event in September of 2009, extensive flooding caused roadway and bridge failure on Due West Road at Picketts Mill Creek in Paulding County, Georgia. Specifically, the flooding caused the west abutment to erode pavement failure with a portion of the roadway falling into Picketts Mill Creek. This damage caused the roadway to be impassable in the area of Picketts Mill Creek. Paulding County was declared a federal disaster area due to extensive flooding in late 2009. Due West Road is a local road on the Federal Highway System and was not eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) relief. However, it is eligible for up to 100 percent of repair costs through Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Emergency Repairs funding. The emergency repair/action consisted of contractors for the Paulding County DOT replacing the earthen abutment with a concrete abutment, repair of eroded areas on both bridge end abutments and the placement of riprap at the abutments, re-grading of the roadside ditches at the creek, and pavement repair for the failed section of roadway over the creek. The estimated construction area consisted of approximately 100 feet along Due West Road, centered over the creek, and an approximate 75- to 100-foot-wide area measured along the creek, centered over the road. The action was completed on October 26, 2010, when the road was re-opened to traffic. Construction activities occurred within the right-of-way for the road, which caused disruption to traffic. Road closed signs were posted at either end of the construction area, with road closed warning signs posted on Due West Road at its intersection with Mt. Tabor Church Road to the west and Hiram-Acworth Highway (SH 92) to the east. Access to area was maintained via Mt. Tabor Church Road and Hiram-Acworth Highway. Work did occur within the channel of Picketts Mill Creek; however, no improvements beyond the immediate bridge crossing were made to Due West Road.