Texas811 Guardian Uses Fiber-Optic Sensing to Catch Unauthorized Excavations in Real Time
According to Trenchless Technology, Texas811 launched Texas811 Guardian on April 20, 2026, a patent-pending damage prevention system that uses distributed fiber-optic sensing to detect unauthorized excavation activity and notify utility operators before a strike occurs.
How Guardian Works
The system converts existing fiber-optic lines into real-time monitors. When excavation activity is detected, Guardian automatically queries the Texas811 ticket database. If an active 811 ticket is on file, the system stays silent. If no ticket exists, Guardian flags the location as an unauthorized excavation and sends an alert to utility operators, including the precise location and whether the digging is mechanical or manual.
Kyle VanLandingham, director of business development at Texas811, put the problem in stark terms: “On an annual basis, underground utility strikes endanger thousands of lives, cause billions of dollars in damage, and disrupt services. Research shows that a quarter of all damages occur because the Texas811 system is not used. In addition, three-quarters of those damages result from professional excavators who know the rules but do not follow them.”
VanLandingham also pointed to growing infrastructure demand as a driver for the new approach: “The rapid growth of AI data centers, large-scale housing developments, and electric-grid expansion is driving extensive excavation projects. These projects often take place in dense, complex underground environments, increasing the risk of accidental strikes.”
What It Means for Subcontractors
- Always call before you dig. Guardian removes any ambiguity about whether an excavation will be noticed. The system detects ground disturbance in real time and cross-checks it against the 811 database automatically. If your ticket isn’t in the system, you will be flagged.
- Ticket documentation matters more than ever. With Guardian actively monitoring for unauthorized digs, having a valid, up-to-date 811 ticket on file is your first line of defense if a utility operator or regulator gets an alert near your worksite.
- Mechanical and manual digging are both monitored. The system identifies excavation type, so potholing, hand digging, and vacuum excavation are not exempt. Crews need to ensure compliance regardless of the method used.
- Expect faster utility operator response. Because Guardian notifies operators of exact location and excavation type, field crews should anticipate quicker on-site response from utilities when something triggers an alert, including on legitimate jobs where communication gaps may exist.
