Jack and Bore Road Crossings in Nashville and Middle TN
Auger boring under roads, rail and drives to push steel casing and carrier pipe in a straight line, with no road cut and tightly controlled grade.
- Trenchless, Boring and Locating
- Under it, not through it
- Middle Tennessee
Jack and Bore Road Crossings, explained.
Jack and bore, also called auger boring, pushes a steel casing pipe through the ground in a straight line while an auger inside removes the soil. It is a precise, controlled method used under roads, driveways and sometimes railroads, where the crossing must stay on a set line and grade.
We dig a launch pit and a receiving pit, set the boring machine on a rail track at the planned line and grade and advance the casing section by section. The carrier pipe or conduit is then installed inside the casing and supported there. The road above stays open.
Signs this service fits
- A water, sewer or gas line crosses a public or private road
- A rural drive or farm road must be crossed
- A rail or heavy-traffic crossing is required
- Open cutting is not allowed or practical
A good fit, and what to know.
We would rather you hear the limits from us than discover them later.
A good fit when
- The crossing is designed and the pipe size is known
- Rights-of-way owners will permit the work
- Straight line and grade matter
Worth knowing
- Rock and boulders can stop an auger bore
- Pits take space and shoring, which limits tight sites
Why do it this way.
Road stays open
Traffic is not cut off or detoured by trenching.
Straight and on grade
The casing follows a set line and elevation.
Protected product pipe
A steel casing shields the pipe under the road.
Permitted properly
Right-of-way permits and traffic control are part of the plan.
Before and after: road cut to bore crossing
AfterBeforeIllustrative scene created to show a typical condition before and after the work. Drag the handle to slide between them.
From first look to finished ground.
A clear sequence for every job.
- 01
Plan and approve
The crossing is designed and, for public roads, approved by the owner of the right-of-way.
- 02
Dig the pits
Launch and receiving pits are excavated and shored to depth.
- 03
Bore and push
The machine advances the casing on line and grade as the auger clears the spoil.
- 04
Install and close
The carrier pipe is installed in the casing, ends are sealed and pits are closed and restored.
Services that go together.
C-01TrenchlessDirectional DrillingSteerable drilling that installs conduit and pressure pipe under driveways, roads, creeks, trees and landscaping with only small entry and exit pits.Trenchless bore
A-03Utility LinesSewer LinesNew private sewer mains and building laterals set to a laser-checked grade, bedded in stone and connected to the public sewer or a septic…Shallow trench
A-02Utility LinesWater LinesNew water service lines and private water mains trenched, laid and backfilled from the meter or main to your home, building or outbuilding.Shallow trench
C-06TrenchlessUtility Locating & 811Requesting locates, walking the marks, reviewing plans and mapping private lines so excavation starts with a clear picture of what is buried.Surface workRead more on this topic.
Jack and Bore vs HDDTwo trenchless crossing methods and how they differ in materials, grade and cost.2 min read 
Permits for Underground Utility and Excavation WorkWhat kinds of permits apply, who issues them and how to avoid delays.2 min read 
Directional Boring vs Open TrenchWhen boring beats trenching, when trenching wins and how to decide for your route.2 min read Jack & Bore Crossings FAQ.
How is jack and bore different from HDD?
Jack and bore pushes rigid steel casing on a straight line and grade, which suits gravity pipe and heavy crossings. HDD steers flexible pipe on a curved path.
Do roads need to close?
Often not. The work happens in the pits on either side, and traffic control is arranged as the permit requires.
How long does a crossing take?
It depends on length, casing size, soil and approvals. Once the pits are ready, the bore itself often moves quickly.
Jack & Bore Crossings across Middle Tennessee.
Pick your city for its page.
Call 811. Then call us.
Tell us what you are building, fixing or draining and we will suggest a site visit and a plan. The lines get located before the bucket moves.