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Phase II recommended north of J23 after Jefferson 26 archaeological survey
Summary
County engineers reported that Phase I fieldwork for the Jefferson 26 project found artifacts west of the bridge near the former town of Knowtton; IDOT advised avoidance where possible and the Phase II report recommends mitigation or avoidance north of J23.
Engineer Jared Johnson told the Ringgold County Board of Supervisors that the Jefferson 26 concept statement has been reviewed and cleared and that cultural-resources work is complete through Phase II in the areas surveyed.
Johnson said the department received a cultural-resources evaluation and contracted Bear Creek Archaeology to conduct a Phase I survey because of the proximity of known archaeological sites. The Phase I fieldwork found no need for additional investigation east of the bridge but recovered artifacts west of the bridge in the area of the former town of Knowtton.
IDOT advised the department that avoiding the affected area is the preferred approach; if avoidance is not feasible, Johnson said a Phase II survey would be required to determine whether the site is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Johnson said Phase II fieldwork was completed in September and the final Phase II report recommends no further investigation or avoidance for work south of J23, but recommends mitigation or avoidance for work north of J23 because eligibility questions remain.
The department is coordinating next steps with the Location and Environment bureau to determine whether work can be routed to avoid sensitive areas or whether further archaeological mitigation will be required before construction proceeds.
