Missouri 811 is introducing an important system enhancement that will improve communication and transparency between utilities and excavators, especially after a damage notification is submitted.
Soon, utilities will be able to provide status codes on dig-up (damage) tickets, giving excavators clearer, more timely updates on what’s happening after a reported incident.
What’s Changing?
Since 2016, utilities have used status codes on routine and renewal tickets to communicate when excavation can safely begin. Common responses include:
- Marked – Facilities have been located
- Clear / No Conflict – No underground facilities present
Now, Missouri 811 is extending that same functionality to dig-up tickets, helping close a long-standing communication gap after damage notifications are submitted.
This update is part of Missouri 811’s continued effort to improve underground utility safety, damage prevention, and communication between excavators and utility operators.
What Is a Dig-Up Ticket?
A dig-up ticket, also known as a damage ticket, is created when an excavator contacts Missouri 811 to report damage to an underground facility during excavation.
Once submitted, Missouri 811 notifies all utilities listed on the ticket so they can investigate the site, assess any damage, and respond accordingly.
Dig-up tickets play a critical role in damage reporting, excavation safety, and communication between excavators and utility operators, helping ensure issues are properly documented and addressed.
New Dig-Up Status Codes
With this update, utilities will now be able to 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 has consistently heard from excavators that once a dig-up ticket is submitted, follow-up communication can be limited or unclear.
These new status codes are designed to improve damage ticket communication, excavation safety, and underground utility damage prevention.
With better visibility in each utility’s response, excavators can:
- Identify which utilities have responded and which have not
- Follow up more efficiently on damage tickets
- Reduce uncertainty on the job site
- Help speed up damage investigations and repairs
For example, if several utilities report no damage and one remains unresponsive, it becomes easier to identify where additional communication is needed.
Excavators are responsible for reviewing ticket responses and confirming utility statuses before continuing work. You can learn more about this process in Missouri 811’s blog on confirming ticket responses:
https://blog.missouri-811.org/the-scoop/confirming-ticket-responses
Supporting Safer, More Efficient Excavation
“This enhancement is another way Missouri 811 is working to strengthen communication between utilities and excavators,” said Nick Rasa, Chief Operating Officer of Missouri 811. “Clear, timely information supports safer excavation practices and more efficient damage response.”
Improving communication after a dig-up supports Missouri 811’s mission of protecting underground infrastructure and promoting safe digging practices across Missouri.
When Will This Be Available?
Missouri 811 expects this feature to be available soon and encourages feedback from utilities and excavators as it rolls out.
Click or Call Before You Dig
Before starting any excavation project, remember to contact Missouri 811 to have underground utilities located. Submitting a locate request before digging helps prevent damage, reduce risk, and keep crews safe.
Visit www.missouri-811.org or dial 811 to get started.
