Archaeological Assessment of Project STP-0899 (10), Hart County

Project STP-0899 (10) would widen SR 51 to allow for a two way left turn lane to CR 405 and a northbound left turn lane to CR 503. Also, the project would widen the bridge over Little Lightwood Log Creek. The proposed project on SR 51 would begin approximately 20 meters (65.6 feet) south of CR 405 then continue northerly to an end point approximately 30 meters (98.4 feet) south of CR 503. The existing right-of-way on SR 51 and CR 503 is approximately 30.5 meters (100 feet), while the existing right-of-way on CR 405 is approximately 15.2 meters (50 feet). A maximum of approximately 17.5 meters (57.4 feet) of additional required right-of-way will be needed on CR 405 and CR 503. All project construction on SR 51, including the bridge widening over Little Lightwood Log Creek, will be restricted to within the existing right-of-way. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed project· description was conducted for the entire 0.62 kilometer (0.39 mile) 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.