Ancient artifacts halt road work

Associated Press

NEWARK, Ohio

A central Ohio county has put a stop to construction on a new road project because of ancient artifacts discovered at the site.

Licking County commissioners say an archaeological study turned up evidence of a dwelling once possibly used by Native Americans of the prehistoric Hopewell culture.

Commissioner Doug Smith said archaeologists also discovered pottery fragments that date from between 200 B.C. to A.D. 500.

He said the county is conducting a full-scale archaeological dig to determine what is there and ensure that no human remains are there.

In the meantime, the county will delay awarding a contract for construction on a road between Route 16 and Route 40 until those concerns are addressed.

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