Dig Law Changes to Require Local Government Membership of State’s 811 Center

Local Governments Owning Traffic Control Devices and Traffic Management Systems Will Soon Be Required to Join Georgia 811
 
[Duluth, GA] (April 28, 2023) — On September 1, 2022, the Georgia Underground Facility Protection Act (GUFPA) was updated to include a requirement for mandatory Georgia 811 membership for local governing authorities that own traffic control devices and traffic management systems. To provide adequate time for initial budgeting and staffing, the starting date for enforcement of the requirement to locate these facilities is January 1, 2024.
 
O.C.G.A.§ 25-9-3 provides the following definition of these facility types.

  • Traffic Control Devices:
    • All electronic or electrically powered roadway signs, sign structures, or signals of a local governing authority or the Department of Transportation and all associated underground infrastructure on which the public relies for informational, regulatory, or warning messages concerning the public rights of way.
       
  • Traffic Management Systems:
    • A network of traffic control devices, monitoring sensors, and personnel of a local governing authority or the Department of Transportation, with all associated communications and power services, including all system control and management centers.

Local governments owning or operating either of the above facility types are encouraged to contact Georgia 811’s Customer Connections Department at CustomerConnections@Georgia811.com or at 770-623-5786 to set up membership. The onboarding process for new members takes approximately 90 days, and those governments who complete their membership by January 1, 2024, will be added as Georgia 811 members free of charge. It is recommended that local governments begin the membership process early so that cost estimates can be generated in preparation for the expiration of free membership.
 
Additional information about Georgia 811 membership can be found at Georgia811.com by selecting New Membership from the Members option on the top toolbar.