Five bids came in less than expected for projects for the state Department of Transportation that use federal stimulus funds.

The bids, which were expected to reach about $1.59 million total, instead came in at more than $1.28 million total. That saving will leave Penn-DOT with about $300,000 in additional funds.

Harold Swan, acting district press officer for District 10, said the lower-than-expected bids are a nice surprise but officials are acting cautiously before spending the funds elsewhere.

"We're going to be very careful because we might need additional dollars to fund projects that come in over bid," Swan said. "It's just too early to anticipate what we'll do with the current savings."

Swan also said officials are leaving open the possibility of transferring some of the additional stimulus money to other projects.

PennDOT awarded Shawrose of Coraopolis, Allegheny County, a $844,023 contract for work on four bridges.

That includes work on the Ribold Bridge in Forward Township, the bridge on Route 2018 over Little Buffalo Creek in Buffalo Township, the Shannon Road Bridge in Connoquenessing Township and the Sandy Lick Bridge in Buffalo Township. PennDOT also awarded Swank Associated Companies of New Kensington, Westmoreland County, a $438,818 contract for work on the Wahlville Bridge in Forward Township.

Swan said most of these projects will break ground this fall but some will start next year.