Understanding what lies beneath the surface is critical to safe and successful project delivery. Unknown or poorly documented utilities can lead to service disruptions, safety hazards and costly delays during both design and construction.
Accurate utility locating helps eliminate these risks before work begins.
Why Utility Locating Matters
Subsurface conditions are often incomplete or outdated. Without proper investigation, projects may encounter unmarked lines, design conflicts or unexpected field changes that lead to change orders and delays.
Incorporating utility locating early improves design accuracy, reduces risk and supports more efficient construction.
Public vs. Private Utility Locating
Before any excavation, contacting Dig Safe (811) is required. Dig Safe coordinates the marking of public utilities such as power, gas and communications lines.
However, these markings are limited, typically covering infrastructure from the main line to the meter. Private utilities and site-specific systems are often not included.
That’s where private utility locating is essential.
Vermont Underground Locators (VTUL), now part of Bowman, provides comprehensive subsurface investigation services, identifying both public and private utilities beyond what standard markings include. This ensures a more complete and reliable understanding of site conditions.
The most effective approach is to use both:
- Start with Dig Safe (811)
- Follow with private utility locating for full coverage
Advanced Tools and Field Expertise
Utility locating today uses advanced, non-destructive technologies to deliver accurate results, including:
- Electromagnetic locating for conductive utilities
- Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) for non-conductive lines
- Concrete scanning for embedded elements
- Pipe inspection cameras for condition assessment
- Electric fault detection for underground cables
Integrated Capabilities at Bowman
Through the integration of VTUL into Bowman’s field services, clients benefit from specialized utility locating expertise combined with Bowman’s broader capabilities in surveying, engineering and construction support.
This integrated approach helps teams plan with confidence, reduce uncertainty and deliver projects more efficiently.
