Street or Sidewalk Utility Markings

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Pavement Marking Complaint or Request to report missing or faded lines on a street or highway
Status of Active Street or Sidewalk Construction Permits to check the status of a permit or verify future construction activity

Before a street or sidewalk permit can be issued, a contractor must mark the location to indicate underground utility company lines such as gas, electric, water, and cable. This is required by New York State law.

Once construction is completed, the contractor must remove the pre-construction markings.

Contractors or excavators can get assistance by phone with locating underground utility company lines.

Agency: New York 811
Phone Number: 811 or (800) 272-4480
Business Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week

Time and Length of Construction

The Department of Transportation (DOT) doesn't have a timeframe for when a contractor will request a street or sidewalk opening permit.

Line Marking Color Codes

You can identify the type of utility or construction work based on the line color.

Blue: Potable water
Green: Sewer and drain lines
Orange: Communication, alarm, signal lines, cables, or conduit
Pink: Temporary survey markings
Purple: Reclaimed water, irrigation, slurry lines
Red: Electric power lines, cables, conduit, and lighting cables
Yellow: Gas, oil, steam, petroleum, or gaseous materials
White: Proposed excavation