Bellevue city Council members on Nov. 5 approved a 10-year lease agreement with the state Department of Transportation, clearing the way for construction of a safer, more convenient trail for bicyclists and pedestrians in the busy Factoria area.

The 10-foot wide, multi-purpose trail, which has been planned since 2005, will connect the north end of 124th Avenue Southeast, near Southeast 38th Street, to the Mountains to Sound Greenway trail along Interstate 90. Goals of the project are to improve safety and to provide a more efficient walking and biking connection, avoiding heavy vehicle traffic on Factoria Boulevard.

Earlier this year, the council accepted two grants to pay for the trail: a state grant for $605,000 to promote pedestrian and bike safety, and a federal grant for $354,400 to address air pollution and congestion. Construction of the project is expected to begin next spring.

The lease does not require rent, but does require Bellevue to maintain the right of way, at an estimated cost of approximately $15,000 per year.

For more on the Factoria Trail Connection project, view the council agenda item at here.