When cities repave roads, why do they leave the street ripped up for a couple weeks before repaving?

Question

I was told once it’s because cities project the job to take say 5 weeks, so they rip it up the first week, leave it for 3 weeks, then repave the last week. And they do this so everyone gets a paycheck for the full 5 weeks. Surely there has to be a different reason?

In: Other

Answer 1

governments have extensive rules and regulations regarding purchases and public works contracts. they have to bid them out to the lowest bidder along with getting approval from the board or jury for the original contract and any amendments or change orders. add to that weather delays and other logistical problems and it explains why projects take so long