Archaeological Assessment of Projects EDS-84(16)(17), Lowndes, Lanier, Clinch Counties

Projects EDS-84 (16) (17) would widen US 84/SR 38 in Lowndes, Lanier,. and Clinch Counties. EDS-84(16) would begin at the existing 4-lane section just west of the Alapaha River and would end at CR 207 in DuPont. EDS-84(17) would begin at CR 207 in DuPont and would end at the west city limits of Homerville. These projects also include the realignments of CR 124, CR 74, CR 22, CR 43, and CR 108 to provide perpendicular intersections with US 84/SR 89. In addition, the existing bridge over the Suwannoochee Creek will be widened from 7.9 m (26 ft) to 26.8 m (88 ft), and a new bridge will be constructed over the Alapaha River parallel to the existing bridge. Existing right-of-way varies from 18.3 m (60 ft) to 61 m (200 ft) for project EDS-84(16). Required right-of-way varies from 12.2 m (40 ft) to 24.4 m (80 ft). For project EDS-84(17), existing right-of-way varies from 18.3 m (60 ft) to 30.5 m (100 ft). Required right-of-way varies from 12.2 m (40 ft) to 25.6 m (84 ft). An archaeological survey consistent with the project description was conducted along the approximately 29.8 km (18.5 mi) projects' 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 existing or eligible National Register archaeological resources were located within the project's area of potential environmental effect. 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.