Large Project Excavation Process

Large Project Ticket Information Form
Sample Excavation Agreement Template
Large Project & Precon Meeting Guide

Mississippi 811 supports a voluntary preconstruction meeting process for large and complex excavation projects to promote coordination and reduce unnecessary utility locates. This process allows excavations, utilities and locators to align excavation and locating schedules before submitting locate request tickets.

See the MS Excavation Law and HB1191 for additional information on the large project excavation and preconstruction meeting process.

What is a Large Project Excavation?

Under Mississippi Code section 77-13-3 (aa), a large project excavation is an excavation that, due to its large area or complexity, cannot be reasonably completed within 20 calendar days, or 30 calendar days for submerged excavation.

Examples of Large Project Excavations

  • Construction of major highways or railways
  • New subdivisions, or shopping centers
    Extensive utility infrastructure installations
  • Projects spanning wide geographic areas or long durations

Step-by-Step: The Large Project Excavation Process

1.  Submit a Preconstruction Meeting Notice

To initiate the process:

  • Submit notice to Mississippi 811 at least 10 working days before the proposed meeting.
  • The notice must include:
    • Date, time, and location of the meeting
    • Planned excavation start date (must be at least 10 working days after the meeting)
    • Full project scope and excavation location (standard 1 mile per ticket limit does not apply)
  • Contact info for:
    • Excavation supervisor
    • Meeting point of contact
    • Contractors and subcontractors
  • Project details like work type and estimated duration

Note: MS811 will notify all affected utilities via a “Preconstruction Meeting” ticket. Utilities may respond via the Positive Response Information System (PRIS) to indicate their intent to attend.

2. Submit a Preconstruction Meeting Notice

Meetings can be held in person, via video conference, or by phone. Participants may include:

  • Excavators
  • Utility operators
  • Locators
  • Contractors and subcontractors
  • Optional: An MS811 representative (by request)
Meeting Objectives
  • Exchange maps, work schedules, and contact details
  • Define the scope of work, excavation timelines, and locating schedules
  • Draft and agree upon the terms in writing

3. Execute the Excavation Agreement

To proceed as a large project:

  • A written excavation agreement must be signed by:
    • The excavator
    • All utility operators involved
  • The agreement must be finalized at least 3 working days before the excavation begins.

Without a signed agreement, the large project classification becomes void, and standard excavation notice and utility locating procedures will apply.

If the project is delayed of the scope changes, either:

  • Update the agreement with the utility operators, or
  • Submit a new preconstruction meeting notice

4. Submit Large Project-Related Excavation Notices

Once the excavation agreement is in place:

  • Excavators submit locate requests according to the agreement’s terms
  • Each request must include the original “Preconstruction Meeting” ticket number
    These notices are processed as Normal Locate Requests:
    • The 1 mile per ticket limit applies
    • Utilities will respond per standard obligations under section 77-13-9

Benefits of the Large Project Process

  • Reduced repeat locate tickets
  • Better coordination between all parties
  • Cost and time savings for utilities and excavators
  • Improved safety and project transparency

Resources for Large Project Excavation

To support excavators in successfully planning and executing large project excavations, we have provided helpful reference materials, click the buttons at the top of this page. These documents are designed to guide you through the preconstruction meeting process, proper documentation, and ticket submission requirements.

The Excavation Agreement should provide a clear overview of the entire project. Dividing the project into timeframes and work sections is highly recommended, as it offers a structured roadmap that helps all parties coordinate excavation and locating activities effectively.

Included Resources:

  • Large Project & Preconstruction Meeting Guide

A step-by step overview of the large project excavation and preconstruction meeting process, including timelines, requirements, and best practices for coordinating with utilities and MS811.

  • Sample Excavation Agreement Template

A fillable agreement form to help excavators and utility operators document agreed terms such as excavation schedules, locate responsibilities, and scope of work. You may use this template or create your version, as long as it meets the requirements set forth in Mississippi Code section 77-13-12.

At a minimum, an Excavation Agreement must contain the following:

    • The scope of the excavation work
    • The dates of excavation activities
    • The operator’s locating schedules and
    • Any other details that the excavator and operators agree on should be included
  •  Large Project Ticket Information Form

A form designed to help you organize and submit large project-related locate request tickets after a preconstruction meeting, in accordance with the terms outlined in the excavation agreement.

These resources are intended to make the process more transparent, efficient, and collaborative. We encourage all excavators involved in large-scale or complex projects to review and utilize them.