Archaeological Assessment of Project IR-20-2(125), Newton County

The proposed project would reconstruct the intersection of 1-20, S.R. 12, C.R. 516, and Turner Lake Road in Covington. The proposed project would begin approximately 1,100 feet east of the intersection of C.R. 516 and Turner Lake Road and would end approximately 1,100 feet east of the intersection of C.R. 516 and Turner Lake Road. A loop would be constructed on new location south of the existing ramp connecting the 1-20 east bound off ramp to C.R. 516. A new bridge would be constructed to carry the new loop over C.R. 516. In addition, S.R. 12 and C.R. 516 would be widened. A survey consistent with the proposed rights-of-way was surveyed for the entire length of the proposed 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.