The final construction price for the Bethel Road widening and repaving project was nearly $214,000 more than originally anticipated, but Hartselle Department of Development director Johnson said the project was still under the total budget.

The final cost night from Reed Contracting Services approved by the Hartselle City Council Tuesday was $878,059.24. The original approved bid was $664,841.96.

Johnson said the increased cost was due to a change order and an increase in unit price quantities, such as additional excavation that was needed.

“For instance, the original bid only called for 2,000 cubic yards of excavation, but we actually needed 8,000 because we had trouble finding a good base for the roadway,” Johnson said. “Plus we also had to bring in rock and other materials to give us a solid foundation for the road.”