Construction on the Robbins block parking lot across from the new jail and justice center is set to begin within the next few weeks — at a far lower cost than first estimated.

The Mower County Board of Commissioners accepted a low bid on the project from Ulland Brothers Inc. at $174,771 The county engineer’s original estimate was $220,180.

The project is tentatively set to begin Aug. 15 and be finished a month later. However, county engineer Mike Hanson said the project could begin sooner, once it gets final approval on the state level.

The lot will be slightly smaller than the original 104 parking spot plan. Instead, the lot will feature closer to 90 parking spaces to make room for a 50- by 65-foot green space on the property’s northwest corner. The green space is being funded by the Main Street project.

Rochester Sand & Gravel Inc. submitted the only other bid at $209,839.

One of the county’s largest summer construction projects is still being reviewed at the state level. Hanson said he’s waiting to begin construction to replace County Road 45 — Fourth Street Northwest — north of Interstate 90 through Mapleview. The office of civil rights has not yet approved the project, but Hanson said he hopes to have final approval by the next county board meeting.