A method of constructing a shaft in the earth for use as, for example, a launch shaft or a retrieval shaft, may include several steps. One step includes installing a secant pile wall into the earth. The secant pile wall encloses a portion of the earth. Another step includes excavating the portion of the earth enclosed by the secant pile wall. The excavated portion leaves an interior of the shaft and exposes an inside surface of the secant pile wall. Yet another step includes placing a metal liner within the interior of the shaft. And yet another step includes partially or more filling a space located between the inside surface of the secant pile wall and the metal liner with a grout material.