Why do people get so upset with construction?

Question

Here i am at work...new project and traffic gets a little congested now. we are re-doing this bridge because it wasnt going to make it much longer...why is it that half the people go by cursing and yelling? i dont go into everyone elses offices and *&tch about you doing your job.

Answer 1

Basically, you are seen as an impediment to their destination.  The anger usually comes in because it appears, to the driver, that workers aren't actually working; it's pissing away their time and tax dollars.  

Think of it like hiring a contractor for a company and the contractor playing games all day.  The company would not be happy.

FYI I'm not agreeing with this, just telling it like it is...

Answer 2

It comes with the territory. These jerks feel that you are being an inconvenience to them so they vent their frustration the only way they know how.  

Answer 3

Too many people are in too much of a hurry, and anything that slows them down is a target for their rage. They feel they have to vent their frustration at someone involved in it - anybody. Since you folks are the most visible ones, you get the brunt of it.

Of course, these people probably are the loudest complainers when they see a road in poor condition.

No, it's not your fault. You and the others are simply doing your jobs. Fortunately, most people realize that.

Answer 4

I get torqued when project go over schedule... and I mean by more than a month !!  I understand infrastructure improvements and the need for them...

At LEAST here in California, CALTRANS posts warnings and notices on the web and in the papers.  It's the commuter's job to keep their eyes open and plan AROUND construction.

An example of an "over-schedule" project was the "Belmont Grade Separation" where they lifted 10 miles of double-tracked railroad so that 6 avenues be run in underpasses (greatly reducing traffic delays and zeroing out train-traffic accidents).  Sadly, because of union issues it went from 6 months to 18 months... in the MIDDLE of the project.

Keep working and have a beer on us.

Answer 5

I feel your frustration because people do come to my office and yell!  lol