Missouri 811’s 2024 Locate Ticket Trends: A Year of Growth and Activity

As we wrap up 2024, Missouri 811 has witnessed another record-breaking year. Marked by growth in ticket requests, an increase in routine locates, and notable trends in excavation activity across the state. Let’s dive into the numbers to highlight key insights from 2024 compared to the previous year, offering a comprehensive look at how locate activities have evolved.

Key Highlights from 2024

1. Total Locate Tickets Surge
   In 2024, Missouri 811 processed 1,192,624 locate requests, reflecting a 4.5% increase from 2023's total of 1,140,929 tickets. This growth underscores the sustained demand for safe excavation services across Missouri.
2. Routine Tickets Lead the Way
   Routine tickets, which represent planned excavation activities, accounted for the majority of requests. These grew by 3.9%, from 833,404 in 2023 to 865,764 in 2024. This increase aligns with a steady rise in construction and infrastructure projects across the state.

1. Emergency Tickets on the Rise
   Emergency locate tickets saw a 5.2% jump, rising from 64,151 in 2023 to 67,481 in 2024. This highlights the need for swift responses to unforeseen excavation scenarios, which may include utilities-related emergencies or weather-induced situations. As a side note, please be aware that emergency tickets can be submitted online 24/7/365.
2. Slight Uptick in Damages
   Reported damages increased marginally by 1.6%, from 14,562 in 2023 to 14,789 in 2024. This emphasizes the continued need for education and adherence to best practices for safe digging.

Trends and Insights

Monthly Activity Patterns

A deeper dive into monthly data reveals seasonal peaks and trends:

• Spring and Summer Booms: As expected, the warmer months (March through August) saw the highest ticket volumes, correlating with peak excavation periods.
• Winter Slowdown: Ticket volumes dipped during the colder months, reflecting reduced excavation activity due to weather constraints.

Understanding these patterns helps utilities and excavators plan resources and responses more effectively throughout the year.

County-Level Insights

County-level analysis shows varied activity levels across Missouri. Urban counties with significant construction projects consistently led in ticket volumes. Meanwhile, rural counties reported fewer requests, with occasional spikes tied to agricultural or utility-related excavations.

Focus on Safety and Awareness

Despite the increase in ticket volumes, the slight rise in damages serves as a reminder of the critical importance of safe digging practices. Missouri 811 continues to emphasize the “Click or Call Before You Dig” message to prevent costly damages and ensure public safety. Increased collaboration between all stakeholders, including homeowners, contractors, and utility operators can further mitigate risks.

Looking Ahead: Building on Success

As Missouri's infrastructure development continues to grow, the demand for locate services is expected to rise. Missouri 811 remains committed to:

1. Expanding public awareness campaigns to promote safe digging.
2. Enhancing technologies for ticket processing and damage prevention.
3. Collaborating with stakeholders to reduce emergency locate tickets and associated risks.

Missouri 811’s 2024 locate numbers tell a story of growth, increased activity, and the ongoing importance of excavation safety. With over 1.19 million tickets processed, the organization plays a pivotal role in keeping Missouri’s excavation activities safe and efficient. By leveraging data insights and fostering collaboration, Missouri 811 looks forward to another year of success in 2025.