Please tell me why....

[Lamplighter]

Within West Linn, Oregon:
Highway 43 is a two-lane, two-way street with bike lanes and sidewalks
along most of its frontage and a posted speed of 45 miles per hour
north of Cedaroak Drive and 35 miles per hour south of Cedaroak Drive.

It carries approximately 21,000 Average Daily Traffic at the northern city limit line,
with about 1,650 vehicles per hour (two-way) during the morning and evening peak rush hours.

Last night (3 am) a young man was speeding on Highway 43 near Cedar Oak Drive,
His car left the roadway and hit a tree. The driver was ejected and killed.

Police closed Highway 43 in both directions from 3:00 am until 10:00 am.
There are no other highway routes except through residential areas.
Traffic was jammed through out the area until almost noon.

Will someone please tell me ...
Why are police are closing roads for such long time periods ?
What are they doing that is so important ???

Police are acting as if there is no cost involved when hundreds of drivers are delayed.