Soledad’s 2026–30 Strategy Calls for a New Road and Rail Crossing Connecting to Metz Road

HARLEM / METZ ROAD–SOLEDAD CORRIDOR, Monterey County — October 31, 2026. Soledad’s new long-range mobility strategy mentions Metz Road in a proposed new connection that could eventually alter regional travel patterns. Its Strategic Plan 2026–2030 includes a goal to resubmit a planning funding application for Pinnacles Parkway, incorporating a separate railroad crossing and other multimodal improvements.

What does the city want to build?

In Soledad’s official 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, mobility goal 5.6.1, the city proposes pursuing a second grade-separated crossing, constructing a multimodal corridor and developing two roundabouts linking the eastern end of Los Coches Road to Metz Road. The plan also discusses a possible pedestrian rail crossing near Palm Avenue and 8th Street and eventually a third access ramp to Highway 101.

These are listed as long-term planning objectives with future funding needs; they are not completed road links, a signed contractor award or approval of final bridge alignment. Specific environmental and rail permits would be necessary for any grade-separated crossing.

What changes for Harlem now?

None are established within Harlem itself. The historic Harlem rail siding is farther along rural Metz Road near Bluejay Lane. The city’s planned connection begins from a different location inside Soledad; its existence in a strategic document does not imply private ranch access, county G15 widening or a new highway interchange at Harlem.

What should residents monitor?

Ask Soledad Public Works for the current feasibility corridor, its next grant application, potential roundabout locations and any environmental scoping. For impacts in unincorporated parts of Metz Road, ask Monterey County and the railroad operator to confirm jurisdiction and whether a proposed alignment reaches the actual parcel. A road name alone is not a map.

Primary source: City of Soledad Strategic Plan 2026–2030, goal 5.6.1. This is a proposed strategic objective, not a construction commitment.

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