Good directions take the guesswork out of finding your worksite. Use clear, complete driving directions to help Texas811 and locators accurately identify the work location.
Why This Matters
Texas811 relies on your directions and locate instructions to help ensure:
The correct utility companies are notified
The correct locators are sent to the worksite
Locators also rely on this information to accurately locate the job site and understand where work is taking place.
❗ Important:
GPS points and attachments are reference guides only and do not replace complete driving directions.
When to Include Driving Directions
Driving directions explain how to get to the worksite and are especially important when:
The worksite does not begin at an intersection
The address is missing or cannot be found on any mapping source
Google or Bing geocode results differ or place the location incorrectly
The location is rural, off-road, or within a new, unmapped subdivision
The ticket contains multiple spot locations
What to Include in Driving Directions
Directions should be:
Precise
Use:
Cardinal directions (N, S, E, W)
Approximate distances
Easy to Follow
Begin from:
A well-known intersection
A recognizable landmark
Properly Formatted
Clearly describe:
Which direction to travel
Which side of the road the work is on
Distance off-road when applicable
If your directions include multiple turns:
Provide the cardinal direction and distance for each turn all the way to the worksite
If your ticket includes multiple spot locations:
Provide complete driving directions to each individual work location
Ensure the spot locations are within 0.25 miles of the previous or next location
If a spot location is more than 0.25 miles from the previous or next location, submit a separate ticket
💡 Pro Tip: Take the guesswork out of it!
Skip vague descriptions like “behind the house” or “near the field.” Give locators something they can follow using directions, distances, and map-based reference points.
Need Help Getting Started?
Use one of these templates as a starting point for your directions.
From a Known Intersection
From a Known Intersection
From the intersection of [ROAD NAME] and [ROAD NAME], travel [NORTH/SOUTH/EAST/WEST] approximately [DISTANCE]. Worksite is located approximately [DISTANCE] [SIDE] of the road.
Example: From the intersection of FM 100 and CR 12, travel north approx. 2 miles. Worksite is located approx. 20 ft east of the road near the cattle guard.
At a Known Intersection
At a Known Intersection
Worksite located at the intersection of [ROAD NAME] and [ROAD NAME].
Example: Work will take place in the NW corner of Main St and Sanders Ave.
Near a Known Intersection
Near a Known Intersection
Worksite approximately [DISTANCE] [DIRECTION] of [ROAD NAME] on the [SIDE] side of the roadway.
Example: Worksite approximately 200 ft south of Main St in the west R/W of the roadway.
Multiple Turn Example
Multiple Turn Example
From the intersection of [ROAD NAME] and [ROAD NAME], travel [NORTH/SOUTH/EAST/WEST] approximately [DISTANCE], go [NORTH/SOUTH/EAST/WEST] approximately [DISTANCE]. Worksite is located approximately [DISTANCE] on the [SIDE] side of the road.
Example: From the intersection of FM 100 and CR 12, travel north approx. 2 miles, go east approx. 3,465 ft. Worksite is located approx. 20 ft south of the road.
Multiple Spot Location Example
Multiple Spot Location Example
From the intersection of [ROAD NAME] and [ROAD NAME], travel [NORTH/SOUTH/EAST/WEST] approximately [DISTANCE] to the first [SPOT MARKER] approximately [DISTANCE] [SIDE] of the road, continue [NORTH/SOUTH/EAST/WEST] approximately [DISTANCE] to the last [SPOT MARKER].
Example: From the intersection of Sanders Ave and Memorial Dr, travel N approximately 275 ft to the first pole #14 approx. 50 ft W of the road, continue N approx. 150 ft to the last pole #15.
👀 Give Your Directions a Quick Check
Before moving on, make sure you haven't:
Used vague or unclear descriptions
Provided GPS without directions
Forgotten the side of the road or direction of travel
Used one set of directions for multiple spot locations
Left out cardinal directions or distances between turns
Related Articles
Define Your Work Location → Confirm your location details
How to Write Clear Locate Instructions → Describe what area needs to be marked
Map Your Work Area → Draw and define your work area
Find Hard-to-Locate Work Areas → For hard-to-find locations
Need Help?
If you have any questions, contact Texas811 support at:
📧 ThePortalTX@Texas811.org
📞 888-776-6077