LAW CHANGE to Affect Cities and Counties Owning Traffic Devices

By Megan Estes, Director of Corporate Communications at Georgia 811

By January 1, 2024, all local governing authorities owning their own traffic control devices or traffic management systems must be members of Georgia 811 according to the Georgia Underground Facility Protection Act (GUFPA). Georgia 811 staff is prepared and eager to help facilitate the onboarding process for new members. As Georgia 811 members, these local governments will receive several benefits aimed to protect traffic facilities from damage due to nearby excavation.

Georgia 811 provides a streamlined free service that results in increased instances of notification before digging. Members initially map their underground facilities in the Georgia 811 system and periodically update these service areas if any changes are made. Then, when a ticket is submitted to Georgia 811 either online or by calling 811, it is determined which members need to be notified of the upcoming excavation in that area. On average, seven utilities are notified on a single ticket, and they have three business days to mark their facilities with spray paint or flags and respond in the 811 system with a corresponding code. This safe digging process has helped to drastically reduce damages to Georgia’s underground infrastructure, while also reducing injuries due to utility damages as well as service outages. Including traffic control devices and traffic management systems as 811 members will further help keep Georgia safe and connected.

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The onboarding process for new members takes approximately 90 days, and those governments who complete their membership by January 1, 2024, will be added as Georgia 811 members free of charge. It is recommended that local governments begin the membership process early so that cost estimates can be generated in preparation for the expiration of free membership.

Georgia 811 has a variety of resources and training available for new traffic members. Potential members can visit www.Georgia811.com and look through the Members tab to find information about new membership, requirements for traffic members, as well as a Q&A section devoted to information about this new membership requirement.

To begin the membership process, local governing authorities can reach out to Georgia 811’s Customer Connections Department at CustomerConnections@Georgia811.com or by calling 770-623-5786.