Pre-Mark Your Project

State law requires excavators to pre-mark the dig site when practical.

Pre-marking is the process of marking the dig area with white paint and/or white flags prior to contacting JULIE. In winter months, black paint or flags should be used when snow is present. Watch this video to learn more.

Pre-marking allows utility locators to complete their work more quickly and makes it easier for excavation crews to identify the dig site. It can also reduce the number of joint meets needed.  Our resource guides offer additional information about Marking Samples and Marking Terms.

Pre-marking Tips

• Use only white paint and/or flags (black when snow is present)
• Pre-mark your project prior to contacting JULIE
• Paint with dashes, lines or arrows
  • The width of each mark should be approximately 2″
  • The length of each mark should be 6″ to 12″
  • The distance between marks depends on site conditions, but should be no greater than 20′
  • Company identification should be painted at reasonable intervals to allow for quick identification
  • Pre-marks that box in the excavation are limited to that box (unless specified otherwise on the locate request
• Mark the center line if doing linear work
• Indicate on your locate request that you want locators to mark at least 10 feet past your pre-marked area.  

For questions or additional information, please contact a Damage Prevention Manager in your area.