Four-Ticket Phone Limit for Standard Locate Requests

Beginning September 1, 2026, Colorado 811 will limit non-emergency, non-damage locate ticket submissions to four planned locate request tickets per agent-assisted phone call. This limit applies only to the number of standard locate tickets that can be handled during one phone call. It does not limit the total number of locate requests an excavator may submit.

This change is designed to improve access to Colorado 811 phone support, reduce hold times, and help keep agents available for urgent, complex, emergency, and damage-related needs.

• Excavators may submit up to four standard locate request tickets during one agent-assisted phone call.
• The limit applies to non-emergency and non-damage tickets only.
• Emergency and damage tickets are not included in this phone ticket limit.

• Excavators who need more than four standard locate tickets may use online ticket entry when eligible or reenter the phone queue after completing the first four tickets.

• Online ticketing remains available for planned, larger-volume, or recurring locate request activity.

High-volume phone calls can keep agents on the line for extended periods, which may increase hold times and make it harder for other callers to reach Colorado 811 quickly. The four-ticket phone limit helps create a more balanced phone experience for all users while supporting safer and more efficient damage prevention.

The goal is not to slow excavation work or reduce the number of locate requests submitted. The goal is to improve phone access, encourage better planning for high-volume ticket activity, and support locate requests that are tied more closely to active excavation timelines.

• You can still submit all eligible locate requests you need.
• If you are submitting more than four standard tickets, plan ahead and consider using online ticket entry when possible.
• Online ticketing can help reduce phone wait times and gives professional users more flexibility for higher-volume work.
• Submit locate requests closer to when work is expected to begin so tickets better reflect active excavation plans.
• Continue to call 811 or 800-922-1987 for emergency, damage, complex, or time-sensitive needs that require phone assistance.

1. Review how your team currently submits locate requests by phone.
2. Identify staff, crews, contractors, or administrative users who regularly submit more than four tickets during one call.
3. Prepare to use online ticketing for larger or recurring ticket volumes whenever possible.
4. Allow additional time if you choose to submit more than four standard tickets by phone and need to reenter the phone queue.
5. Share this change with project managers, field crews, office staff, and anyone responsible for submitting locate requests.

Colorado 811 encourages professional excavators and high-volume users to use the Exactix online ticketing system for planned locate request activity. Online ticketing can help users submit and manage locate requests without waiting on hold and is especially helpful for larger projects, recurring work, or multiple ticket submissions.

• Submit and manage eligible locate requests online.
• Review ticket information and status details.
• Use mapping tools and attachments to improve communication.
• Reduce phone wait times for planned ticket activity.
• Access support resources through the Colorado 811 Exactix Knowledge Base.

Will I still be able to submit all the tickets I need?

Yes. This change limits the number of standard locate tickets that can be submitted during one agent-assisted phone call. It does not limit the total number of locate requests an excavator may submit.

Will this slow down my project?

The intent is not to slow down work. The change is intended to keep phone access available for all callers and encourage higher-volume users to use online tools or plan ticket submissions in smaller batches.

What if I have a large or ongoing project?

Large projects can still be supported through multiple tickets. Plan ticket submissions so requests are connected to the timing and location of active work. For larger or recurring ticket volumes, online ticket entry may be the most efficient option.

Does the limit apply to emergency or damage tickets?

No. Emergency and damage tickets are not included in the four-ticket phone limit. Continue to call 811 or 800-922-1987 for emergency or damage situations.

Why can’t high-volume callers continue submitting many tickets by phone?

Calls with high ticket counts can keep an agent occupied for a long time, reducing access for other callers. The four-ticket limit helps keep phone service available and responsive for everyone, especially during busy call periods.

• The four-ticket phone limit begins September 1, 2026.
• The limit applies only to standard, non-emergency, non-damage locate tickets submitted by phone with an agent.
• Emergency and damage tickets are not included in the limit.
• Excavators can still submit all eligible locate requests they need.
• Online ticketing is recommended for higher-volume, planned, or recurring ticket activity.
• This change helps improve phone access, reduce hold times, and support safer, more efficient damage prevention.

Are you a professional user and need online system training? Colorado 811 is delighted to offer online ticket system training. Don’t have an online professional user account? Sign up today.

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