Description

Phased Data Recovery in the Speedway Boulevard Right-of-Way through the Tanque Verde Wash Site, AZ BB:13:68 (ASM), Tucson, Pima County, Arizona (TR2012-05)

The Speedway Boulevard Camino Seco to Houghton Road Improvement Project (City of Tucson Project No. 07-32) intersected a portion of the Tanque Verde Wash site, AZ BB:13:68 (ASM), located in the eastern Tucson Basin, Pima County, Arizona. The affected right-of-way was investigated with Phase 1 and Phase 2 data recovery projects. Archaeological monitoring in both the right-of-way and beneath Speedway Boulevard was conducted
during subsurface construction activities within the site. Phased data recovery was conducted between May and June, 2011, while monitoring on an as-needed basis continued through September 2011.

Eight trenches, totaling 395 m, were excavated. A small pit and a bell-shaped pit were identified in the northern right-of-way, adjacent to known occupation loci at the site. The complicated geomorphology of the site was further documented, including large natural channels that likely affected prehistoric use of this portion of the site. The phased data recovery project also documented intermittent infilling in the Speedway Boulevard roadway, indicating a need for consultation during future projects in the area.