An engineering method used for shallow tunnels, subways, and large utility corridors. Crews excavate an open trench from the surface, construct the structural tunnel box inside it, and then backfill the soil over the roof to restore the original ground level. It is highly disruptive to surface traffic during construction but cheaper than deep boring.
Heard on the job
The new transit line will use cut and cover right down Main Street, so expect detours for the next year.