Underwater Archaeological Survey to Search for Historic Remains
October 17, 2006 -- Remnants of our past can be found anywhere, even under
40 feet of water. That’s why the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) will conduct
an underwater sonar survey in the sections of the Ohio River that lie in the future
bridge corridors of the Ohio River Bridges Project.
An underwater survey crew directed by the KYTC project archaeologist will search
for potential historic resources along the Downtown and East End Bridge corridors.
The underwater survey will consist primarily of a sonar survey conducted from the
surface of the river. This type of survey works by bouncing sound waves off the
bottom of the river. Strong signal return is coded as a dark area, while weak signal
return appears as light areas. The contrast of light and dark creates a visual image
that will be transmitted to an on-board screen and inspected by archaeologists.
If an object proves to be archaeologically and historically significant, a more
in-depth search may follow, possibly requiring the retrieval of material from the
river bottom.
Wayna Roach, KYTC project archaeologist, said a 30- to 40-foot boat will tow a cylindrical
sonar device. The device sends out a signal that can cover a section of river bottom
roughly 100 feet wide. The boat will make three passes at both locations, tracking
from shore to shore in order to cover the 300-foot-wide Downtown and East End Bridge
corridors. Roach said the survey will look for evidence of historic vessels, such
as flatboats, steamers, paddle boats or old barges.
“If we do find the remains of old vessels, we’ll check documents and records from
their era and see if they match up with what is found,” Roach said. “If that doesn’t
provide sufficient information, we might send someone down to recover a sample of
materials.”
The survey is part of the Bridges Project’s commitment to assess potential impacts
to historically and environmentally sensitive aspects of the landscape. If the sonar
survey reveals potential historic resources in the project corridor, archaeologists
will discuss options for avoiding the location with Bridges Project officials. If
avoidance is not possible, additional archaeological investigation may be needed
before any physical activity could begin in the area.
“We know that the Ohio River landscape is rich in history,” said Bart Bryant, KYTC’s
project manager for the Ohio River Bridges Project. “As we see it, the work that
our archaeological team will be doing goes beyond simply following procedure, as
set down in the guidelines that govern how we proceed. The Bridges Project takes
great pride in actively participating in the preservation of our heritage.”
The Ohio River Bridges Project addresses the long-term, cross-river transportation
needs in the Louisville-Southern Indiana region. In 2003, the Federal Highway Administration,
Indiana Department of Transportation and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet agreed
that the only feasible way to meet cross-river transportation needs was to construct
two new bridges and rebuild the Kennedy Interchange. Of a variety of options studied,
the alternative selected would best achieve the transportation needs with the least
amount of impact on environmental resources and the communities.
The Bridges Project is currently in the design phase with construction tentatively
scheduled to be complete by 2020. For more information, visit the project Web site,
at www.kyinbridges.com.
NOTE: Members of the sonar surveying team will be available to the media
from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. on October 19, at the Overlook boat dock, at the intersection
of Spring Street and Riverside Drive in Jeffersonville.
DIRECTIONS: Cross the Kennedy Bridge and take the first Jeffersonville exit
(exit 0). Take a right, and proceed to Spring Street. Turn right onto Spring and
take it until it dead-ends at Riverside Dr. The Overlook Park and boat docks will
be straight ahead.