Illinois residents planning any digging project are being reminded of a crucial safety step: contacting JULIE before putting a shovel in the ground. The service, officially known as JULIE 811 Utility Locating Services, is designed to prevent accidental damage to underground utility lines.
Available 24/7, JULIE connects excavators – both homeowners and professionals – with member utility companies to mark the location of lines before work begins. This preventative measure is vital, as striking a buried utility can lead to dangerous outages, costly repairs, and potential injuries. The service is free to use.
There are three convenient ways to reach JULIE: submitting an online request, calling 811 or (800) 892-0123, or utilizing Remote Ticket Entry for professional excavators. Remote Ticket Entry allows professionals to submit multiple locate requests online, receiving instant dig numbers and access to mapping tools.
According to guidelines, locate requests should be made at least three days, but no more than ten days, before digging is scheduled to start. It’s key to remember that the day of the request, weekends, and holidays are not included when calculating this timeframe. A recent update now requires a “Positive Response,” meaning excavators must verify ticket responses before beginning any work.
For professional excavators interested in Remote Ticket Entry, a free 90-minute online training course is required. Further information and resources are available, and questions can be directed to the JULIE remote services support team at 815-741-5011 or memberinfo@julie1call.com.
This emphasis on safety underscores the importance of responsible excavation practices, a message that resonates as infrastructure projects continue to shape communities across the state. The service aims to minimize disruptions and ensure the safe completion of construction and landscaping endeavors.
