Chicago

811 Chicago is a twenty-four (24) hour service network system established to prevent contractors and private citizens from hitting any existing utility line(s) when digging. This agency provides a free One Call service to private contractors and homeowners within the City of Chicago's Corporate Limits. This system notifies all utilities of impending excavations. All non-emergency penetration/excavation requires a forty-eight (48) hour minimum prior notice (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) to 811 Chicago at 312-744-7000

This important service helps to ensure public safety and protects utility facilities both in the public way and on private property. Those interested in digging in Chicago must first call 811 Chicago two (2) working days (48 hours) before digging. The forty-eight hour waiting period mandated by The Illinois Underground Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act (220 ILCS 50/1 et seq) Section 10, allows the utility companies time to mark the ground where their facilities exist below the surface.