Open cut construction work disrupts roads, buildings and other infrastructure. The duration of these disruptions is a major source of frustration for local residents, business and the general public. This has resulted in growing opposition to construction work in general, including concern for the natural environment, as well as an increase in claims for compensation.

Health and safety of workers, equipment operators and the public is well recognised and has led to the introduction of legislation requiring the use of safe working practices. In the case of underground utilities, the closer workers and operators are to mechanical and electrical equipment, to moving traffic, or the more they have to work in confined spaces the greater the risk of accidents. With trenchless projects, surface excavation is confined to relatively small entry and exit pits or shafts, and it is often possible to locate these away from hazardous areas and road traffic.

In comparison to the use of open cut methods, trenchless projects are characterised by minimal surface disruption over a much shorter period of time.

For a well-managed trenchless project, the public may not be aware that major construction work is actually going on below them.