This is a submitted sponsor story by Gopher State One Call.

As excavation practices evolve, so do the tools and regulations that support safe digging across Minnesota. Enhancements to the ticketing process and updates to state law are helping excavators, locators, and facility operators work more efficiently while improving safety, accuracy, and communication. From digital marking tools to real-time messaging and updated pre-dig meeting requirements, the industry is moving toward a more connected, standardized approach to underground utility protection. 

 Electronic White Lining  

As of January 1, 2026, excavators may now use electronic white marking through the Gopher State One Call system.  Electronic white markings must provide at least as much information as equivalent markings.  To help enable electronic white marking, Gopher State One Call has introducted Automated Marking Instructions within ITIC, our digital ticketing platform. These tools standardize how excavation areas are described by generating instructions based on user inputs. 

Using tools such as Radius (circle), Street (feature), Property (parcel), and Route, excavators can digitally define work areas. These inputs are converted into automated instructions that populate directly into the ticket, improving clarity for locators and facility operators. 

Once generated, users should review these automatic instructions before submission. If no edits are needed, the ticket immediately proceeds to facility operators; if changes are made to the instructions, the ticket is routed to Gopher State One Call for review. 

Minnesota law continues to require clear excavation area identification. White marking is mandatory, though excavators may use digital markings if they are equally clear and complete. Automated instructions support this shift, but must still be reviewed carefully. Facility operators may request physical markings at any time. 

Approved ITIC tools are recommended for the most accurate boundaries. When using manually drawn polygons, extra care is needed to ensure clarity and proper reference. 

Effective electronic marking also depends on tying excavation areas to visible physical features such as roads, curbs, sidewalks, property lines, buildings, and utility fixtures. Including maps or satellite imagery with recognizable landmarks further improves field accuracy. All mapped areas should form a complete, closed boundary with clear dimensions and references. 

Ticket Talk 

Communication is essential to safe excavation, and Ticket Talk strengthens coordination among all parties. This integrated messaging system allows excavators, locators, and facility operators to communicate directly within a ticket, receive real-time updates, and maintain a transparent record of project communication. All messages are associated with a specific ticket, and can be viewed through ITIC.  This ticket-based communication system is therefore suitable for asking questions, providing more information, and documenting agreements on a particular job.  

Ticket Talk does not replace legal requirements. Messages do not modify tickets or create locate requests—any changes still require a new ticket. Only selected companies receive messages, so all relevant parties must be included. 

Meet Tickets  

Meet Tickets support complex or large-scale projects by bringing stakeholders together on the job site before excavation begins. Meet Tickets  are required for projects one mile or longer, including linear routes, full-block work, or large drain tile installations, and for multiple tickets for adjacent areas that meet the one-mile threshold.  Meet tickets are also available on any other ticket, at the excavator’s request. Projects under one mile may also benefit from a Meet Ticket when additional coordination is needed. 

The meet must occur at least 48 hours after the ticket is filed, and excavation may begin 48 hours after the meeting. All parties must attend unless otherwise agreed and documented. Although the meet time is set upon submission of the ticket, facility operators may contact the excavators to reschedule meets if needed (or to agree that a meet is not necessary).   

Meet Tickets are valid for up to six months, but excavation must begin within 14 days of the original ticket. For earlier coordination, a Design/Pre-Con Meet Ticket may also be used. If project scope changes, the ticket must be updated and a new meet scheduled. Clear documentation is required throughout to maintain alignment and accountability. 

For questions, contact customersupport@gopherstateonecall.org. Thank you for your continued commitment to safety and damage prevention.