Hartnell Breaks Ground on Diesel-Training Building at 1505 Metz Road in Soledad

HARLEM / SOLEDAD–METZ ROAD REGION, Monterey County — October 31, 2026. A major education investment on the Metz Road corridor could create new training options for agricultural and equipment workers in the southern Salinas Valley. On July 16, 2026, Hartnell College broke ground for a new career technical education building at 1505 Metz Road in Soledad.

What will the facility offer?

According to Hartnell College’s official groundbreaking announcement, the roughly 9,700-square-foot, two-level building will house its Advanced Diesel Technology program, a heavy-equipment training shop, welding bays, classrooms, diagnostics equipment and student-support facilities. The project also includes approximately 40 new parking spaces.

When are classes expected?

Hartnell is targeting October 2027 for the building to open and spring 2028 for first diesel and welding classes. Those are projected milestones and can change. A groundbreaking is not evidence that the educational facility is already operating or taking enrollments for every program today.

What is the local relevance?

Metz Road connects agricultural communities, historic railroad stops and Soledad. Training in engine service and heavy equipment may interest farm workers and rural residents, but the building is inside Soledad, not at the historic Harlem siding near Bluejay Lane. No shuttle, program eligibility or special reserved enrollment for Harlem residents is established.

Where can students learn more?

Use Hartnell’s Measure T project status page and the college admissions office for verified classes, opening dates, application requirements and financial aid. Avoid relying on a construction announcement as a currently available course catalog.

Primary source: Hartnell College news announcement and Measure T capital project update, July 2026. No school construction is asserted at Harlem itself.

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