Hayden-based contractor MDM Construction Inc. is the apparent low bidder on a $2.1 million city of Spokane construction project along Third Avenue, east of Division Street, says city spokeswoman Marlene Feist.

The project is expected to begin next month and extend through August, she says. It will entail repaving the roughly three-fourths of a mile section of the one-way arterial between Division Street and Arthur Street and installing new sidewalk. Work also will involve replacing a 12-inch water main and water pipe, she says. Plans also call for installation of more than 700 feet of storm-sewer pipe and 23 storm drains along that section of Third.

MDM Construction's bid came in below the engineer's estimate of $2.3 million.

Funding for the project comes from the 2004 street bond program and water department capital funds.

Feist says access to businesses along the stretch is expected to be maintained, and the contractor likely will leave at least one lane open at all times.

Feist says projects funded by the street bond project will continue through next year. Since some projects came in under budget, specifically during the recession, she says, the city likely will have left-over money to do additional street improvement projects not included in the street bond program.

Another street bond project, awarded last month to Halme Construction, of Davenport, is under way as of this week. That $1.1 million project entails repaving Francis between Crestline and Haven streets, replacing a water main, and installing intelligent transportation systems. Traffic will be rerouted south to Wellesley Avenue during construction, which is estimated to last two months.