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The slow economy seems to be working in Sound Transit’s favor. When the agency recently opened bids for two components of its Central Link light-rail project, the proposals came in up to 15 percent less than Sound Transit’s estimate.



Kiewit Pacific Co. offered the lowest bid at $94.7 million for two contracts; Sound Transit officials estimated the combined projects would cost $110.9 million.



The first contract includes constructing at-grade and aerial light-rail tracks between Royal Broughman Way and South Airport Way, a Lander Street station and a connection to the operations and maintenance facility.



The second contract includes building an operations and maintenance facility, storage yard, and administrative building to service and maintain up to 100 light-rail vehicles.



Sound Transit will not choose a contractor until Federal Transit Administration awards the agency a full funding grant agreement for the project, according to a prepared statement.