All contracts for the construction of the highway hereunder shall be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder submitting a sealed bid after an advertisement calling for bids has been published at least once in each of 2 successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in New Hampshire. The first publication of such advertisement shall be not less than 14 days prior to the date upon which bids are received. Contracts shall be awarded in accordance with N.H. Rev. Stat. § 228:4.