Setting ties out for track work

I just noticed the other day that between Morris Heights and Marble hill there are bundles of ties that have been set out for track maintenance that have been there well over a year. They seem to be splitting. Is there a reason to set ties out and let them age like that? Or is there no good place to store them?

even if their stored elsewhere they would sit outside , so no different in what they go trough.

Probably slightly less damage in a bundle than in place...what is the expected life of a wooden tie on MN? (I'm guessing 40 yrs?) So these will only be good for 39. Actually, the ties on top of bundle will protect the ones underneath.