What is the primary reason for conducting utility locating before excavation?

The primary reason for conducting utility locating before excavation is to prevent accidental damage and service interruptions. When digging into the ground, there is a significant risk of striking underground utilities such as water, gas, electricity, and telecommunications lines. By accurately identifying and marking these utilities in advance, excavation crews can avoid damaging them, which can lead to costly repairs, service outages, and potentially dangerous situations. This proactive measure not only ensures the safety of workers and the public but also maintains the continuity of essential services in the area, thereby upholding both safety and efficiency during the excavation process.

While other options touch on important aspects of project planning and compliance, they do not directly address the crucial purpose of utility locating, which is fundamentally focused on safety and preventing disruption during excavation work.