Archaeological Assessment of Projects IM-285-1(346) & NH-IM-75-2(172), Clayton County

Project IM-285-1(346) would provide additional lanes to the Clarke Howell Bypass (1-285 Eastbound and 1-75 Southbound) in Clayton County. The proposed project would add an additional lane west of Clarke Howell Bypass on the existing eastbound Collector Distributor (CD). Also, the ramp to 1-75 and South Forest Parkway would be widened to three lanes, while two lanes will continue west on the 1-285 CD. Project NH-IM-75-2(172) would provide operational improvements to the 1-75/1-285 interchange, SR 85 exit, Forest Parkway southbound exit and the US 19/41 southbound exit ramp. The project would also construct a two lane CD system on the northbound side of 1-75 from Forest Parkway to 1-285. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed project description was conducted for the entire length of the project corridor. An archaeological survey (Level I) 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.