The subject projects consist of the proposed improvements to SR 4/US 1 and the construction of the Swainsboro Bypass in Emanuel County. A preliminary archaeological resources survey was requested for the above projects on proposed "Alternate B" which was designed to avoid identified historic resources. Alternate A (the existing design proposal) begins at CR 198/Ivy Roundtree Road then continues northerly along SR 4/US 1 to an end point at CR 461/Nunez Road. Total length of Alternate A is approximately 9.49 kilometers (5.9 miles). Alternate B is designed to avoid a historic district located in the area surrounding the intersection of SR 297 and SR 4/US 1. Alternate B begins at CR 198/Ivy Roundtree Road then continues generally northeasterly to an end point at CR 461/Nunez Road. Total length of Alternate B is approximately 11.5 kilometers (7.2 miles). Approximately 64 to 76 meters (210 to 250 feet) of additional required right-of-way is proposed for the completion of Alternate B. Because Alternate B is in the early stages of development, a preliminary survey was conducted to identify potential archaeological resources which might be located in the proposed alternate's area of potential environmental effect. The State Site Files computer data base was checked to determine if previously recorded sites were located within the alternates area of potential environmental effect. Aerial photographs along the length of the proposed project alternate were consulted. Also, USGS topographic maps were consulted to identify high site probability areas along the total length of the proposed alternate. High probability areas are defined as high ground adjacent to rivers and creeks, areas which are not steeply sloping, low and wet, or highly disturbed. As a result of these efforts, six high site probability areas and one cemetery were identified within the proposed project's area of potential environmental effect. There are no previously recorded archaeological sites located within the project's area of potential environmental effect and the majority of the project corridor is a mix of agricultural and forested landscape. Six high site probability areas were identified within the project corridor. Three high site probability areas are located on terraces and ridgetops adjacent to tributaries which feed Canoochee Creek. Two other high site probability areas are located on terraces and ridgetops adjacent to tributaries which feed Jacks Creek. The remaining high site probability area is located on a set of terraces west of Crooked Creek and just east of the Central of Georgia Railroad. These six high site probability areas along the proposed project corridor warrant further archaeological investigation. An unnamed cemetery located approximately 275 meters (900 feet) north of CR 274 was identified. This cemetery appears to be outside of the project's area of potential environmental effect, but this should be confirmed when field surveys are conducted.
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