Last year we had a grind and overlay on the highway that runs next to our home and I can tell you it won't last like it could have 50yrs ago. Anyone know why? Simple answer is traffic, semi truck traffic to be specific. I would love to know how many side dumps of rock coming out of SD to the Fargo Diversion go by every day, normally you see 2-4 running together now add the other semi traffic and cattle haulers dodging scales plus every day life of farm equipment and regular traffic. In the end they have to balance project cost vs longevity.
I heard what the bid was and being around the construction industry for 20yrs now I figured it was pretty in line and consider knowing what it takes behind the scene before 1 speck of dirt is moved if they were to design and do a complete overhaul the price of material is astronomical alone. Plus factor in that the gravel quality is slowly degrading in some areas (still there are standards) with higher costs and concrete/asphalt prices have gone nuts. You wouldn't believe the bidding process on some of these projects.
Why would a contractor do a shitty job on purpose on a DOT project when money can be withheld by the state until final inspections passed from core's and ride tests? If certain tests do not pass there needs to be fixes or the contractor does not get paid. Sure there are probably some bad apples but in my experience most inspectors are a pain the arse, nit picking every little thing.