Imagine you are trying to get businesses to invest in your town, build a factory, whatever. Much of that is about image, right? If you only have gravel roads it gives off the impression that you are failing/backwards.
Businesses will often invest in their own roads. The issue is the town over expanded and then their base shrank. Unfortunately, you have to cut items — roads to dead businesses are the easiest way.
If manufacturing comes back they will often invest in their own roads anyway. City can then cut a deal to rebuild and maintain roads with company splitting cost
If manufacturing comes back they will often invest in their own roads anyway. City can then cut a deal to rebuild and maintain roads with company splitting cost