> Of course, the City Council would never agree to this plan. It's easier for them not to disturb anyone if they want to be re-elected
Oh no, democracy... On a more serious note, boring causes far less disruption to street-level commerce. I haven't seen an analysis which includes the lost tax revenue and economic activity from cut and cover.
Moreover, something deeper is going on as even boring in NYC costs more than in other countries.
You are certainly right with "deeper". I wouldn't dare digging anywhere near the foundations of a skyscraper, and cut&cover isn't doable in a city with dozens of decades of uncharted pipes, tunnels, cables and whatever you're gonna find once you start digging.
And I certainly don't want to know the insurance costs for this kind of project, no matter the method...
Deeper is possible, but expensive. See NYC Water Tunnel #3.[1] Under construction since 1970. Several sections already in use; completion 2020. As deep as 800 feet down, 24 feet in diameter.
Oh no, democracy... On a more serious note, boring causes far less disruption to street-level commerce. I haven't seen an analysis which includes the lost tax revenue and economic activity from cut and cover.
Moreover, something deeper is going on as even boring in NYC costs more than in other countries.