New Dig-Up Status Codes Improve Communication with Excavators
Missouri 811 has expanded status code communication to dig-up (damage) tickets, giving excavators more information following a damage notification.
Since 2016, utilities have been able to assign status codes on routine and renewal tickets to indicate when excavation may safely begin. Common examples include “Marked” when underground facilities have been located, or “Clear / No Conflict” when no facilities are present.
Missouri 811 has now extended that same concept to dig-up tickets, providing excavators with clearer and more timely feedback after a damage notification is placed.
New Dig-Up Status Codes
Utilities can now apply one of the following status codes on dig-up tickets:
- Utility Acknowledges Active Facility Damaged
Indicates the utility has visited the site and confirmed damage to an active facility. - Utility Acknowledges Abandoned Facility Damaged
Indicates the utility has confirmed damage to a facility it previously owned that has since been abandoned and poses no active concern. - Utility Observes No Damage to Facilities
Indicates the utility has investigated and found no damage to its facilities. This does not rule out damage to another utility’s infrastructure. - Utility Acknowledges Receipt of Damage Notification
Indicates the utility has received the dig-up notification but has not yet been able to visit the site. This confirms awareness and provides interim communication to the excavator.
Why This Matters
Missouri 811 frequently hears from excavators that a dig-up ticket is submitted, but little to no follow-up communication occurs afterward. These status codes are designed to help close that communication gap.
For example, an excavator may submit a dig-up ticket after striking an underground facility but may not know which utility owns the damaged line. As utilities respond to the ticket, the new status codes can help the excavator determine whether a utility has confirmed damage, found no damage to its facilities, or simply acknowledged the notification and has not yet visited the site.
This gives excavators better information about the status of a damage notification and helps identify when additional follow-up may be needed.