How Kirkland’s NE 85th Street Station Will Transform the Eastside by 2027

by Jason Mesnick

If you’ve been anywhere near I-405 and NE 85th Street in Kirkland, you’ve seen it:
cones, cranes, concrete, and more brake lights than anyone wants on a weekday.

But here’s the truth—this isn’t just roadwork.
It’s one of the biggest infrastructure projects in Kirkland’s history:
The NE 85th Street Station and Interchange Project.

And it’s about to reshape how we move, build, and live on the Eastside.

What’s Actually Happening

Washington State DOT and Sound Transit are building:

A Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) station right over I-405, linking Kirkland to Bellevue, Lynnwood, and beyond.
A three-level interchange separating freeway, local traffic, and buses.
A walkable “station area” designed for mixed-use housing, shops, and offices within ½ mile.

In short: this is a new mobility hub, not a patch job.

The Numbers

Cost: ≈ $234 million (and counting)
Timeline: 2023 → 2027 (completion target)
Purpose: Connect Kirkland directly to the Stride BRT network and future regional transit corridors.

When complete, you’ll be able to grab coffee downtown and reach Bellevue or Lynnwood without touching your car.

Why This Matters—Even If You Never Ride a Bus

This project quietly unlocks:

6,000 + new homes planned near 85th Street
17,000 + jobs projected within walking distance by 2044
Long-term property value growth from transit-oriented development

Yes, traffic is a mess now.
But when dust settles, this corner of Kirkland will look and feel completely different.

Think Bigger: Momentum Is Everything

Look at what happened near Bellevue’s light-rail corridors—values rose, walkability exploded, and entire districts transformed.

That same playbook is unfolding here.
The question is whether you’ll notice before it’s obvious.

For Homeowners and Buyers

Study the NE 85th Station Area Plan. It shows exactly where growth is headed.
If you own near 85th, think 5-10 years out. You’re sitting on a future value story.
If you’re buying, look for what’s becoming, not just what’s beautiful today.

Real wealth in real estate is built while others complain about construction.

My Take

Kirkland is quietly building its future—faster transit, more housing, and stronger connections to the Eastside.

Yes, it’s a $234 million headache now.
But it’s also a once-in-a-generation investment that will redefine our city.

So the next time you’re stuck in traffic at 85th and 405…
remember — you’re driving through tomorrow’s Kirkland.

ABOUT JASON MESNICK

Jason Mesnick is a Seattle-area real estate agent and founder of The Mesnick Group. He specializes in helping buyers and sellers navigate the ever-changing Pacific Northwest housing market. Reach out directly for a custom home-ownership strategy!