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Texas Historical Commission
Abstract
Cultural resources investigations were conducted by SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) on behalf of TCB INC. and Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for four proposed bridge replacements in Frio County, Texas. The investigations were conducted under Texas Antiquities Permit 4402. The cultural resources investigations were designed to identify and evaluate any archaeological sites eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) or that might warrant designation as a State Archeological Landmark (SAL).
The proposed undertaking entails the replacement and rehabilitation by TxDOT of four bridge crossings that include: 1) two bridges along Peck-Bush Road at San Miguel Creek; 2) one bridge along Applewhite Lane at Mustang Creek; and 3) one bridge along Andy Sadler Road at Live Oak Creek. SWCA investigations included a background literature and records review and an intensive pedestrian survey of the project area. All individual project locations were limited to existing right-of-ways. The area of potential effects for the four bridge replacements typically consists of 100 m along each approach with a typical vertical depth of 4 feet. Work near the bridge crossings may entail cutting the banks at the crossing to a depth of 10 feet for a distance of 25 feet from the existing edge of the banks.
The background literature and records review revealed that no archaeological sites have been documented within or immediately adjacent to the bridge replacement project areas. Only the Applewhite Lane at Mustang Creek crossing has any previously recorded sites (41FR25, 41FR40, and 41FR44) within 1.5 miles of the project area. The current proposed project will not impact any of the previously recorded sites.
SWCA’s intensive survey did not encounter any evidence of cultural materials on the surface or subsurface at any of the three project areas. Therefore, no cultural resources will be affected by the proposed projects. Additionally, a visual inspection was conducted for the portions extending beyond 25 feet beyond the ROW along both sides of the road in each of the project areas. Aside from an isolated flake and a few possible burned rocks outside the Peck-Bush Road at San Miguel Creek APE, no cultural materials were observed.
In accordance with 36 CRF 800.4, SWCA has made a reasonable and good faith effort to identify archeological historic properties within the APE of the proposed undertaking. The proposed replacement of the four bridges in Frio County will impact previously disturbed areas with no significant cultural properties. Thus, the proposed project will not affect any cultural resources. As no properties were identified that meet the criteria for listing in the NRHP according to 36 CFR 60.4 or for designation as an SAL according to 13 TAC 26.12, SWCA recommends no further archaeological investigations for these project areas.
No artifacts were collected. Therefore, nothing was curated.
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