An action by a contractor against the Department of Transportation upon a contract for the construction, reconstruction, improvement or maintenance of a highway must be commenced within 3 years after the date of the:
1. Completion of the contract; or
2. Determination of the engineer or decision of the Board of Directors of the Department of Transportation on an appeal of a claim arising from the contract as provided in the standard specifications for construction of roads and bridges adopted by the Department,
Ê whichever occurs later.