Does Road Maintenance require locates?
Yes. The definition of excavation is very clear; any operation in which earth, rock, or other material is moved or displaced by any means. This definition includes graders, backhoes, bulldozers, trenchers, augers, drilling machines, blasting, and all other powered equipment. There is one exception to this rule. Road or ditch maintenance less than 12 inches in depth that does not lower the original grade or original flow line of the ditch. However because facilities can be shallower than when originally installed, it is highly recommended that a locate is requested for ditch maintenance. Responding to an emergency, requires a call for an emergency locate, this includes all private contractors, Cities, Counties, ODOT, BLM, and the Forest Service who do year round road maintenance.
