New Colorado 811 Exactix Ticketing System
Colorado 811 has successfully launched the new Exactix Ticketing System as of January 30, 2026. This upgrade delivers a faster, more intuitive, and more accurate way to submit and manage locate tickets. Both excavators and utility owner/operators will benefit from enhanced customer service features, expanded self service capabilities, and improved communication tools.
You can access the new system here . If you have not yet registered or completed training, please use the buttons below to learn more about the new system.
Exactix for Professional ExcavatorsExactix for Facility Owner/OperatorsExactix Knowledge Base Submit Questions HereRegardless of your project’s size, you are legally required to contact Colorado 811 at least three business days before you dig. Fortunately, our free and efficient service makes it easy to request information regarding the location of underground public utility lines.
1
Contact 811
Visit colorado811.org or call 811 to request a free underground public utility line locate. This service protects public underground utilities such as gas, electricity, water, sewer, and internet lines. Remember, “privately owned utilities” won’t be included in this service.
2
Wait and Track your Ticket
Wait at least 3 full business days and track your ticket on colorado811.org. Utility companies will respond with a message indicating the status of your request.
3
Respect the Marks
If utilities are present, the location of the utility line will be identified by paint and/or flags. Once marked, maintain the marks to ensure they remain visible while digging so you do not hit the lines below.
4
Dig Safely, Dig Carefully
Dig with care, using extra caution near markings. Always dig cautiously with hand tools when digging within 18 inches of a mark or flag for a public utility line. Ask your landscaper or excavator do to the same.
Celebrating 40 Years of Colorado 811
In 2026, Colorado 811 proudly celebrates 40 years of protecting Colorado’s underground infrastructure and supporting safe excavation across all 64 counties.
Over the past four decades, we’ve grown alongside our partners, now supporting more than 2,500+ members and processing 1.2+ million locate ticket requests each year, with 72% of those tickets submitted online.
As we recognize this milestone year, we remain committed to advancing damage prevention, improving technology, and serving Colorado for many years to come.
Things have changed since 1986 – let’s take a trip down memory lane…
Cost of Living
A gallon of gas cost approximately $0.89.
The average car cost $12,651,
A gallon of milk cost approximately $1.01–$1.11 per gallon.
The average home sold for approximately $111,900.
Pop Culture
Top Gun was the #1 film
Madonna’s "True Blue" album hit #1
The Oprah Winfrey Show debuted nationally.
The first Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class was inducted, including Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, James Brown, and Ray Charles.
Historical Events
Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster (Jan 28): The shuttle broke apart 73 seconds after liftoff, killing all seven astronauts, including teacher Christa McAuliffe.
Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster (Apr 26): A reactor exploded at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine, leading to the worst nuclear accident in history.
Underground Utilities
During the 1980s, many cities began moving overhead electrical lines underground to improve reliability and reduce visual clutter.
For instance, Fort Collins launched a major three‑year pilot program in 1987 after securing funding the year before. Around the same time, Manhattan Beach, California, approved its first large underground utility district project in February 1986.
That same decade also saw the rise of trenchless technology and microtunneling—innovative methods that made it possible to install utilities underground with far less disruption to streets, neighborhoods, and daily life.
From the early days of underground infrastructure expansion to today’s digital‑first damage prevention efforts, one thing has remained constant: the importance of protecting what’s below the surface. As Colorado 811 celebrates 40 years of service, we’re proud of how far we’ve come—and even more excited about what’s ahead. With strong partnerships, evolving technology, and a continued focus on safety, we’re committed to supporting Colorado’s communities and underground infrastructure for generations to come.
