CONCORD — The widening of Interstate 93 in southern New Hampshire took a step forward Wednesday and was a bit less expensive than anticipated.

The state’s Executive Council approved a contract with R.S. Audley Inc. of Bow, on the basis of a low bid of $32.9 million, for roadway rehabilitation and widening of the highway for a little more than 3 miles just north of Exit 3 in Salem.

Jeff Brillhart, assistant commissioner of the Department of Transportation, said the project came in 20 percent below budget, a realized savings of $5.6 million.

Commissioner of Transportation Christopher Clement noted the cost of bonding is low and with the exception of gas prices, other prices are low and there are workers available to do the project.

“We need to finish it now,” he said, noting the positive climate for the road work.

The $580 million expansion project from Route 393 to the state line at Massachusetts still lacks about $250 million worth of work to be complete.

This particular section of the project is on Interstate 93 from Brookdale Road in Salem through the Exit 3 interchange area to the weigh station in Windham.

The work also involves the construction of about 1.4 miles of relocated NH Route 111 and the intersection of Wall Street.

Completion of the project will open the southbound portion to traffic. The project also completes the relocation of Route 111 and the southbound half of the Exit 3 interchange.

This is the fourth project of six total required to complete the improvements at Exit 3.

The federal project is funded with GARVEE bond proceeds at a rate of 1.26 percent, Clement said.

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