Indiana Department of Transportation officials are taking a second archeological look at Columbus’ proposed railroad overpass project after an initial dig led to questions and the need for more investigation.
Completing an environmental study, including an archeological study of the proposed overpass area near the State Road 46/State Road 11 railroad crossing, is required by the federal government, mandatory for all proposed state road projects, said Harry Maginity, INDOT spokesman.
Some trenches were dug as part of the initial archeological investigation last winter, which led to officials deciding they needed to take a deeper look into one section of ground that is part of the project, Maginity said.
During the initial sampling last winter, Maginity said workers found sandy alluvial soil in part of the project area that was deeper than the 24 inches in the trench, leading them to want to investigate further.
“This is the type of soil that can have artifacts,” Maginity said.
For more on this story, see Thursday’s Republic.
