POST FALLS - Two east Post Falls mobility projects that have been in the planning stages for several years are expected to be constructed this year.

A paved pedestrian trail will be constructed on the east side of Highway 41 from Seltice Way to Mullan Avenue and under Interstate 90.

Meanwhile, Spencer Street north of Ponderosa Elementary will be extended from Second Avenue where it currently ends to Seltice Way west of Dairy Queen.

"Our goal is to construct both projects this year," said Bill Melvin, city engineer. "We expect to bid both projects this spring."

Both projects are less than half a mile long.

While the city will conduct the bidding process and schedule the construction activities, the projects are being funded through the Post Falls Urban Renewal Agency.

The Highway 41 trail is estimated to cost $800,000 and the Spencer Street extension $1.7 million.

The city council tonight is expected to approve a construction maintenance agreement with BNSF Railway and an easement agreement with Jones Lang LaSalle, BNSF's property management company, regarding a future railroad crossing on Spencer south of Seltice.

"To facilitate the project, construction of an at-grade crossing of the BNSF Railway line is required," Melvin wrote in a memo to the council. "The rest of the rights of way (in the corridor) have been secured."

Welch Comer and Associates, the city's consultant, is finalizing the project design and contract documents.

The city council is also expected to approve an agreement with JUB Engineers to tweak the original design of the Highway 41 trail.

Both agreements are under the consent calendar portion of the council agenda.

No public hearings are slated for tonight.