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Jun 16, 2025:
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Permit VDOT to Conduct Surveys for Proposed Route 3 and 20 Intersection Improvements
Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park » Permit VDOT to Conduct Surveys for Proposed Route 3 and 20 Intersection Improvements » Document List
Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park proposes to issue a Special Use Permit to the Virginia Department of Transportation and its contractors to conduct archeological surveys and wetland delineations within park lands proposed for future infrastructure improvements in the vicinity of the intersection of Routes 3 and 20 in Orange and Spotsylvania Counties. A VDOT consultant, New South Associates (NSA), would perform a phase I cultural resources survey of the proposed Route 3 & Route 20 intersection project on behalf of VDOT. The project includes an archaeological survey within the projects limits of disturbance (LOD), an architectural survey, and systematic metal detecting in areas with the potential for Civil War related resources. In addition, VDOT staff would conduct a wetland delineation to assess potential impacts on NPS lands associated with the proposed VDOT project. Areas at/near the intersection of Rte 3 & Rte 20 containing NPS lands will be entered for the purposes of conducting these surveys in relation to the overall project.
The archaeological survey would include two operations: excavation of hand-dug shovel tests (STPs) and metal detecting surveys. The overall survey area extends from the Rte 3 & Rte 20 intersection west approximately one-half mile to Vaucluse Rd and south from the intersection along Rte 20 for approx. 0.3 mile. An additional segment, east of the intersection, is located at the entrance of 11109 Plank Rd and extends approx. 1100-ft along Rte 3.
The wetland delineation process would involve identifying and mapping the boundaries of wetlands and stream limits using a Trimble handheld GPS unit, based on hydrology, vegetation, and soil characteristics. A handheld 2-in diameter soil auger would be used to examine wetland indicators, such as hydric soils and wetland hydrology. An estimated 15 sampling locations would be required with 2-in auger holes used to verify the presence of hydric soils. The delineation would follow established regulatory guidelines, including US Army Corps of Engineers' 1983 manual, to determine wetland limits and create maps for permitting and project planning. VDOT staff would park behind Sheetz to access the NPS property from the VDOT ROW. VDOT would provide the wetland data once compiled in the form of delineation sheets and a map of the wetland boundaries. No wetland delineation ribbons would be hung on NPS lands.
540-627-6079
The archaeological survey would include two operations: excavation of hand-dug shovel tests (STPs) and metal detecting surveys. The overall survey area extends from the Rte 3 & Rte 20 intersection west approximately one-half mile to Vaucluse Rd and south from the intersection along Rte 20 for approx. 0.3 mile. An additional segment, east of the intersection, is located at the entrance of 11109 Plank Rd and extends approx. 1100-ft along Rte 3.
The wetland delineation process would involve identifying and mapping the boundaries of wetlands and stream limits using a Trimble handheld GPS unit, based on hydrology, vegetation, and soil characteristics. A handheld 2-in diameter soil auger would be used to examine wetland indicators, such as hydric soils and wetland hydrology. An estimated 15 sampling locations would be required with 2-in auger holes used to verify the presence of hydric soils. The delineation would follow established regulatory guidelines, including US Army Corps of Engineers' 1983 manual, to determine wetland limits and create maps for permitting and project planning. VDOT staff would park behind Sheetz to access the NPS property from the VDOT ROW. VDOT would provide the wetland data once compiled in the form of delineation sheets and a map of the wetland boundaries. No wetland delineation ribbons would be hung on NPS lands.
Contact Information
Eric Mink540-627-6079