St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - A construction firm from east-central Minnesota is the apparent low bidder for a highly anticipated highway project in this region.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation says Shafer Construction submitted a bid of just under $108 million for the contract to expand Highway 14 from two to four lanes between Dodge Center and Owatonna. Three prime contractors submitted bids, which will be reviewed and certified before the contract is awarded in October.

MnDOT is indicating construction could begin later this fall and the project is expected to be completed by 2022. Plans for a groundbreaking ceremony will be announced at a later date.

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