Information current as of: 11/27/24
The Minnesota State Statute 216D One Call Law has been updated as of August 1, 2024. Gopher State One Call has put together the following quick reference guide with the vital information you need to know. Keep reading to find out the five W’s of the 2024 MN one call law changes.
Recent changes have been made to the upcoming Safety-Qualified Underground Telecommunications Installation rules.
Starting in 2026, Minnesota state law (Minnesota Statutes 326B.198) will require that certain tasks related to the installation of underground telecommunications infrastructure be performed by Safety-Qualified Underground Telecommunications Installers. To qualify, an underground installer must complete and maintain required certifications by taking an approved 40-hour course that involves both classroom and hands-on training. Standards for these courses will be approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), in consultation with the Office of Broadband Development.
Each spring, damage prevention meetings are held by and for the excavation community all around the Minnesota. Focused on safe digging and best practice education, these meetings typically include presentations from Gopher State One Call and the Minnesota Office of Pipeline Safety, as well as guest speakers from other MN damage prevention stakeholders.
In 2025, damage prevention meetings were held in: New York Mills, Austin, Rochester, Owatonna, Andover, Worthington, Lakeville, Vadnais Heights, Hutchinson, New Ulm, Mankato, Brooklyn Park, Marshall, Brainerd, Shakopee, St. Cloud, Alexandria, Spicer, Pine City, Duluth/Carlton, Park Rapids, Thief River Falls, Grand Rapids, Warroad, International Falls, Cass Lake/Bemidji, and Chisholm.
One of the primary topics of this year’s meetings was the Minnesota State Statute 216D One Call Law changes that went into effect on August 1, 2024. These law changes include changes to the waiting period and start times, clarification on job activities prior to ticket expiration, and meet requirements for large projects, in addition to other updates. Click here to learn more about the 2024 changes to MN State Statute 216D.
Thank you to everyone who attended!
How to register in 2026:
We hope to see you at a meeting next spring!
The 2024 Gopher State One Call (GSOC) Annual Report is now available. This year’s report covers a breakdown of the year’s incoming ticket volume by month, ticket type, and submission type; media campaigns; and a letter from Chief Operations Officer Kelly Connolly. There’s also information on what’s in store for 2025 with new MNOPS reporting data available and My Ticket Analytics.
Registration is now open for the 2025 811 5K Run/Walk, which will take place on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Bde Maka Ska’s Thomas Beach in Minneapolis. In addition to being a fantastic opportunity for utility professionals and their families to connect and cheer each other on, this annual event also allows community members outside of the industry to connect with facility operators and sponsors to learn more about what safe digging really means. Click here to register now, or keep reading to learn more about the 811 5K Walk/Run.
About the 811 5K Run/Walk
The 811 5K Run/Walk celebrates “811 Day,” a day typically observed on or near August 11 (8/11) that brings attention to damage prevention and being mindful of underground utilities. 8-1-1 is a national phone number used to submit locate requests prior to doing any digging – whether installing a new mailbox or excavating at a job site – to abide by Minnesota state law and have your excavation site marked for underground utilities. You can also submit locate requests online at GopherStateOneCall.org. Whichever way you choose, it’s a free and easy step that helps keep our communities safe.
Everyone is Invited to Join
Strollers are welcome at this family-friendly event, along with furry family members. Years past have included participants aged 10 to over 70 years old. Children 10 and under are encouraged to join the Kids’ Race, a free, short-distance sprint that takes place immediately after the main race.
Supporting a Great Cause
All of the proceeds of the event, including the $18.11* registration fee, go to Twin Cities Firefighters Operation Warm – an organization that provides children in need with new, warm winter coats.
Ready to join in on the fun? Click here to register for the 2025 811 5K Run/Walk.
*The registration cost is $18.11 before taxes and fees.
