If the guy wants to do something unnecessary which is going to disrupt traffic he can wait until 2 AM to do it. If it’s not important enough for him to be awake at 2 AM for it, it’s not important enough for him to take time out of other people’s lives for it either.
I suspect he was a city employee who was sticking to his assigned timetable. In Boston, I’ve seen guys watering plants on a median strip — in a downpour. Hey, the schedule says water the median on Tuesday at 3 PM, so that’s what he’s gonna do.
Why? These people can't wait an extra thirty seconds? Of course not--these people didn't care that this guy was just doing his job. No sir, it's all about ME. I have to wait an extra thirty seconds in traffic. The horror!