The poor economy, a blessing in disguise for some public works projects, has recently shaved millions off the projected price tag of one big project right here in Simi Valley.

The second phase of the widening of the 118 Freeway will now cost nearly $8 million less than originally budgeted.

An engineer’s estimate put the cost of the project at $21.7 million. But when Caltrans opened bids for the project on Nov. 5, the lowest bid came in at $13.8 million.

“The one bright light out of a bad economy is the estimates are coming down,” said Councilmember Steve Sojka, who sits on the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC). “People are hungry for work and we’re seeing that in a lot of public works projects.”

Sojka said cheaper materials coupled with contractors willing to work for less has allowed the city to continue making improvements in streets and roads even in tight financial times.

“Contractors are sometimes bidding under costs just to keep the crews busy. That’s not healthy for the long-term health of the industry but right now there are deals to be had,” the council member said.

With millions in savings, the question becomes what will the $8 million in savings be used for?

While some Simi officials would like to see the extra funds come to the city for local street and road improvements, Sojka said he has to be a “team player” and look at what the best benefit is to the commission and the East County.

“VCTC, to be honest with you, feels that was a regional project, the 118 (widening), so if there was $8 million in savings we should look at other regional projects.”

Sojka said the commission is considering putting the surplus toward the 23/101 interchange project, which would widen the U.S. 101 Freeway and State Route 23 interchange from the Los Angeles/Ventura County line to Moorpark Road and Hillcrest Drive.

The project would benefit the entire county, including Simi Valley, Sojka said, adding that the sooner the interchange improvements are completed, the sooner the commission can tackle widening the 118 from Tapo Canyon Road to the 23.

The first phase of the 118 Freeway widening was completed in April, ahead of schedule and under budget. The $46.5-million project widened the eastbound 118 from three to four lanes between Tapo Canyon Road and Kuehner Drive and constructed nearly 3.7 miles of sound walls.

The second phase will add a fourth lane to the westbound 118 starting at the county line. Sojka said construction is expected to begin in January or February.

He said the second phase shouldn’t take long to complete since 30 to 40 percent of the asphalt for the westbound lane was poured during phase one.

“It’s great that we’re able to get this done for our community. It’s a quality of life issue,” Sojka said. “When people are stuck on the freeway in bumper-to-bumper traffic, that’s no fun for anybody. So it’s nice to bring these funds to the region to improve our community.”