Excavation sites in Illinois are full of hidden hazards that can turn a routine project into a costly—or even dangerous—situation. Underground utility lines delivering electricity, gas, water, communications, and other critical services may be out of sight but they carry great risks. Striking one can result in costly damage, service disruptions, expensive project delays, and serious injuries.
To protect work crews and utility infrastructure, Illinois law requires contractors contact JULIE before digging. However, submitting a free locate request is just the beginning. The real safeguard comes from using Positive Response, a system that communicates updates from utility companies about the status of each locate request in real time. By mastering Positive Response, contractors can confirm it’s safe to dig, prevent pricey surprises, and maintain momentum on every project.
As of January 1, 2026, it became mandatory for facility owners and operators to respond to each locate request via the Positive Response system using standard response codes. For example, Code 10 indicates that a dig site is clear, Code 20 signals that underground utility lines have been marked, and Code 30 signifies that an area was unable to be marked so do not dig. All utility company responses are stored online and are available to be reviewed anytime. The Positive Response system provides a clear record of locate activity so contractors can make informed decisions before excavation begins.
Here’s how it works:
1. Contractor submits a locate request, either online at JULIEBeforeYouDig.com or by calling 811 or (800) 892-0123.
2. JULIE utility company members respond by posting a response code within the Positive Response system, indicating if they have marked or cleared their facilities at the dig site.
3. Excavator checks Positive Response to confirm all utilities have responded. If they have not, the contractor is not legally clear to dig and must call JULIE to follow up.
Click here to watch a quick tutorial on how the Positive Response system works.
For contractors juggling multiple jobsites, having instant access to the status of their locate requests helps keep them organized and reduces the risk of crews starting excavation before all utility companies have responded. Additional benefits include:
Accuracy: Every response is logged in one place for quick verification.
Convenience: Excavators can access a locate request status anytime, 24/7, from a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. All that’s needed is Internet access and the JULIE ticket number.
Efficiency: Contractors do not have to visit the jobsite multiple times to check for utility markings.
Keep in mind, private facilities like irrigation systems, gas grill lines, or electric to a shed are not included in JULIE’s Positive Response system but contractors are still responsible for having them located before digging.
Now that using Positive Response is required by law, JULIE has rolled out a variety of training options for contractors who want to strengthen their understanding of the system. They can enroll in a JULIE Essentials online course which explains how the system works, what the response codes mean, and how to properly confirm locate responses before excavation begins. This virtual training session is available 24/7/365 and participants can start and stop as their schedule allows—the technology saves their place automatically.
Contractors looking to expand their Positive Response knowledge can also access additional resources including instructions for checking responses, educational webinars, downloadable training guides, safe digging resources, and more. The full resource center can be found at JULIEBeforeYouDig.com.
For questions about the Positive Response system, see the FAQs.