811 Before Driveway Replacement or Repair

Why Driveways Have Utility Risk

A driveway sits over your property's service entry zone — the area where gas, water, electric, and telecom lines transition from the utility's infrastructure to your property's infrastructure. These service lines typically run perpendicular to the street and cross under your driveway near the property line or within the first 10–20 feet of the driveway from the curb.

Standard driveway sub-base excavation goes 6–10 inches for asphalt over compacted aggregate, or 4–6 inches for concrete on undisturbed sub-base. This is above most utility depths — but grading, sub-base removal with a skid steer, and edging work can go deeper at the edges and near curb cuts.

Where the Real Risk Is: The Curb Zone

The area within 5–15 feet of the street is where utility service connections are most concentrated. Gas service lines typically enter the property near the gas meter (often near the house front), but the trench runs from the main in the street toward the house — crossing under your driveway. Water service lines do the same. Telecom pedestals near the curb have conduit running under the driveway to the house.

When contractors break out and remove old concrete or asphalt near the curb cut, they can expose or damage these shallow service runs, especially in older neighborhoods where installation depths were less rigidly enforced.

Driveway Widening Adds Risk

If your project includes widening the driveway — adding a parking apron or second lane — the excavation extends into previously undisturbed yard areas. These areas may have irrigation, landscape lighting, or other private lines running alongside the original driveway edge. A widening project requires the same full 811 and private line assessment as any yard excavation.

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