At Texas811, innovation isn’t a buzzword, it’s a daily practice. Across technology, outreach, and communication, we’re focused on one thing: making it easier for everyone to dig safely in Texas. This year, that commitment has taken shape through the continued development of Fiber Optic Sensing, the launch of the Texas811 Mobile App, and the near completion of the new Texas811 Dig Clinic.
Texas811 Guardian, Texas811’s Fiber Optic Sensing initiative, is transitioning from pilot to production, with live deployment in Houston expected by the end of the year. Guardian provides real-time detection of unauthorized excavation and sends immediate alerts to nearby members, helping prevent the number one cause of underground damage, which is digging without an 811 ticket. With pilots still underway and full implementation approaching, Guardian represents a major step forward in proactive damage prevention.
I’m particularly excited about the Texas811 Mobile App that officially launched earlier this year. It’s a major milestone for Texas811 and there is no easier way to submit a locate request anywhere. You can read more about this game-changing app in this issue.
Construction of the Texas811 Dig Clinic training site is nearing completion. Designed as a hands-on environment for learning and demonstration, it will provide excavators, operators, and safety professionals with a dedicated space to practice real-world locating and excavation techniques in a controlled setting. The site will also offer opportunities for the broader community to engage through field trips and future events, helping to raise awareness and foster early education about safe digging practices. Once operational, the Dig Clinic will serve as a central hub for training, collaboration, and community connection in damage prevention.
Together, these initiatives (sensing technology beneath our feet, mobile tools in our hands, and education built into our own training grounds) form a complete picture of what progress looks like at Texas811. We’re not just advancing systems; we’re strengthening connections, empowering the people who use them, and building a future where safety, communication, and innovation work side-by-side.