Archaeological Assessment of Project STP-054-1(51), Newton County

Project STP-054-1(51) would construct turn lanes at the intersection of SR 36 and CR 653 (Covington Bypass) in Newton County. The project also includes the replacement of a deteriorated and collapsed drainage pipe located approximately 1.93 kilometers (1.2 miles) north of CR 653. Existing right-of-way on SR 36 and CR 653 varies from approximately 15.2 meters (50 feet) to 22.8 kilometers (75 feet). Approximately 0.4 hectare (1.2 acres) of required right-of-way and 0.013 hectare (0.03 acres) of temporary easement will be needed for the construction of the above turn lanes. The replacement of the deteriorated and collapsed drainage pipe would begin on SR 36 at Tom Branch Road and continue northerly for approximately 258 meters (845 feet) ending at that point. All construction for the replacement of the drainage pipe would be restricted to the existing right-of-way. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed project rights-of-way was conducted for the entire length of the 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 existing or eligible National Register archaeological resources were located within the project's area of potential environmental effect. It concluded, therefore, that the project will have archaeological resources on or eligible for inclusion that the project conforms to that described above.