Archeological Assessment of Project FR-050-1(15), Wilkes County

Project FR-050-1(15) is the proposed widening of two sections of SR 17 north and south of Tignall. This widening will serve as passing lanes, but will become part of the EDS system in the future. The widening south of Tignall will be constructed between M.L. 15.68 and M.L. 16.71.; the widening north of Tignall will be constructed between M.L. 23.88 and M.L. 26.28. The existing roadway at each location would be widened to provide two 12 foot lanes in each direction with a 44 foot wide median. The widening south of Tignall would primarily be on the east side but would shift to the west for the last 0.6 mile. The widening for the section north of Tignall would be constructed entirely on the west side. Existing right-of-way is primarily 100 feet; required right-of-way would total 180 feet. An archaeological survey (Level I) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT/FHWA Cultural Resource Survey Guidelines" developed by the GDOT Archaeologists in consultation with DNR Historic Preservation Section Staff and concurred with 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 limits. It is concluded, therefore, that the project will not affect archaeological resources on or eligible for inclusion in the NRHP provided that the projects conform to that described above.