Archaeological Assessment of Project MLP-25(66), Glynn County

The proposed project would replace the existing Sidney Lanier Bridge across the Brunswick River in Brunswick, Georgia. The project would begin at the intersection of Jekyll Island Causeway/S.R.520 and U.S.17/S.R.25 then would extend northerly along U.S.17/S.R.25 to a point approximately 2,700 feet north of the existing Sidney Lanier Bridge. The replacement bridge would be a high level fixed span bridge located on the east, or downstream side, of the present lift span bridge. In addition, a connector road to the University of Georgia, Marine Research Center, would be constructed within exiting rights-of-way. Existing and required R.O.W. for the proposed project is approximately 300 feet. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed project corridor was surveyed for the entire 1.8 mile length of the proposed project corridor. An underwater archaeological survey of the affected area of the Brunswick River was conducted for the Department by consultants. An archaeological survey (Level III) 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 potentially eligible National Register archaeological resources were located within the proposed project's area of potential environmental effect 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.