Intersections like this have all sorts of other utilities underground.  Everything from storm drain lines and large manholes to water lines to gas mains to electrical and telephone lines.  This contractor was boring the crossing rather than digging it, so they are essentially going blind.  They usually aim really low when boring to try to be sure to go well under the other utilities.  They are still trying to determine who is at fault, whether the utility game them wrong information as to where the line was or whether they targeted their line in the wrong place.  They have not yet determined who is paying for it.  Right now, they are just trying to get the fix taken care of.