Article Title

Intensive Cultural Resources Survey of the University Drive Pedestrian Improvements Projec

Authors

Ben Fullerton
Ann Keen

Agency

Texas Historical Commission

Abstract

The City of College Station contracted HDR, Inc. (HDR) to conduct a cultural resources survey for proposed improvements to the pedestrian walkways along University Drive in the City of College Station, Brazos County, Texas. The primary purpose of this project is to improve and enhance pedestrian facilities along University Drive from College Main to 700 feet (ft) east of College Avenue (2,871 linear ft, 0.544 mile). The improvements include new traffic signals, sidewalks, turn lanes, drainage and utility adjustments, and hardscaping. Travel lanes will be restriped to provide 12 ft of width along the curb lines and 10 ft width on the interior lanes, thereby reducing pedestrian crossing distances. Sidewalks currently vary greatly throughout the length of the project and are proposed to be constructed with a minimum 12-ft width while maximizing the buffer between the curb line and sidewalk. The proposed project would require temporary construction easements to allow for construction equipment to construct the sidewalks and tie-in to the existing infrastructure on the north side of University Drive. Portions of the project will be constructed on the Texas A&M University campus on the south side of University Drive. Right-of-way (ROW) acquisitions are not anticipated for the Texas A&M University campus work; however, small corner clips of ROW easements will be obtained along the project for pedestrian equipment and sidewalk installation. The Area of Potential Effects (APE) for the cultural resources survey consists of approximately 1.97 acres of area outside of the existing Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) ROW to be impacted by the proposed improvements. Impacts to occur within the existing TxDOT ROW are not covered in this survey.

The archaeological investigation conducted by HDR consisted of a survey of the APE to determine the presence/absence of archaeological resources by employing pedestrian survey and photo-documentation. The APE was surveyed in compliance with the Antiquities Code of Texas. The survey resulted in pedestrian walkover and photodocumentation of the entire APE. Due to the level of disturbance within the APE, shovel testing was not employed. No archaeological materials were identified during the investigation. In accordance with 13 Texas Administrative Code [TAC] 26, no further archaeological investigations are recommended.

No further cultural resources investigations are recommended for the project as proposed. As a result of the present survey, it is recommended that the proposed construction for University Drive Pedestrian Improvements will not have an adverse effect on significant cultural resources in the project APE, and construction may proceed. In the event that any archaeological deposits are encountered during construction, work should cease, and the Texas Historical Commission (THC) should be notified.

This report is being submitted to the City of College Station for review and approval prior to submittal to the THC. TxDOT will retain a copy of the report for their records; however, TxDOT review is not required as the current survey covers only the areas to be impacted outside the existing ROW. All records and materials generated by this project will be permanently curated at the Center for Archaeological Studies at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas.

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