Interstate 5 Closure Due to Military Event
Introduction to the Closure
California will close part of Interstate 5 on Saturday after military officials confirmed that live-fire artillery rounds will be shot over the freeway during a Marine Corps event, prompting state officials to shut down 17 miles of the freeway in an unprecedented move expected to cause massive gridlock.
Reason for the Closure
Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized the White House for failing to coordinate or share safety information ahead of the Marine Corps 250th anniversary celebration, which will feature Vice President JD Vance. The closure will stretch from Harbor Drive in Oceanside to Basilone Road near San Onofre and will be in effect from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Amtrak also is shutting down train service between Orange and San Diego counties midday.
Safety Concerns
“The President is putting his ego over responsibility with this disregard for public safety,” Newsom said in a statement Saturday. “Firing live rounds over a busy highway isn’t just wrong — it’s dangerous.” The freeway closure comes despite the Marine Corps and White House saying it is unnecessary.
Marine Corps Statement
The Marine Corps said in a statement that Saturday’s event will be a “historic Amphibious Capabilities Demonstration, showcasing the strength and unity of the Navy-Marine Corps team and ensuring we remain ready to defend the Homeland and our Nation’s interests abroad.” A spokesperson for the Marines said artillery was shot from Red Beach into designated ranges on Friday evening as part of a dress rehearsal.
Established Safety Protocols
“M777 artillery pieces have historically been fired during routine training from land-based artillery firing points west of the I-5 into impact areas east of the interstate within existing safety protocols and without the need to close the route,” the statement said. “This is an established and safe practice.”
Decision to Close the Freeway
The governor’s office said it was informed earlier in the week that the White House was considering closing the freeway and when no order materialized by Wednesday, state officials began weighing whether to do so themselves. Driving that decision, they said, were safety concerns about reports that live ordnance would be fired over the freeway and onto the base.
Last-Minute Changes
Newsom’s office said Thursday it was told no live fire would go over the freeway, only to be informed Friday that the military event organizers asked CalTrans for a sign along I-5 that read “Overhead fire in progress.” Earlier Saturday morning, the state was told that live rounds are scheduled to be shot over the freeway around 1:30 p.m, prompting California Highway Patrol officials to recommend the freeway closure because of the potential safety risk and likelihood it would distract drivers.
Coinciding Protests
The military show of force coincides with “No Kings” rallies and marches across the state Saturday challenging President Trump and what critics say is government overreach. Dozens of protests are scheduled Saturday across Southern California, with more than 2,700 demonstrations expected across the country.
Previous Military Events
During “No Kings” protests in June, President Trump held a military parade in Washington, D.C., which included a 21-gun salute, to celebrate the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary.
Criticism of the Event
“Using our military to intimidate people you disagree with isn’t strength — it’s reckless, it’s disrespectful, and it’s beneath the office he holds,” Newsom said in a statement. “Law and order? This is chaos and confusion.”
Marine Corps Risk Assessment
The Marine Corps said in a statement to The Times on Thursday that a detailed risk assessment was conducted and “no highways or transportation routes will be closed” for the event titled “Sea to Shore — A Review of Amphibious Strength.” Capt. Gregory Dreibelbis of the I Marine Expeditionary Force said that no ordnance will be fired from a U.S. Navy ship during the event, but Marines will fire high explosive rounds from artillery known as M777 Howitzers into designated ranges “with all safety precautions in place.” Simulated explosives and visual effects will also be used, he said.
Accusations of Politicization
William Martin, the communications director for Vance, said the Marine Corps determined the training exercise is safe and accused Newsom of politicizing the event. “Gavin Newsom wants people to think this exercise is dangerous,” Martin said in a statement.
Detour Information
Caltrans said in a press release that the closure is “due to a White House-directed military event at Camp Pendleton involving live ammunition being discharged over the freeway” and that drivers should expect delays before, during and after the event. CalTrans advised drivers in San Diego County that the detour to head north will begin at State Route 15 in southeast San Diego. Travelers west of SR-15 along the I-5 corridor in San Diego are advised to use SR-94, SR-52, SR-56, or SR-78 to I-15 north.
Alternative Routes
Drivers heading from San Diego to Los Angeles County are advised to use I-15 north to State Route 91 west into Los Angeles. For those starting in Los Angeles and heading south to San Diego, use SR-91 east to I-15 south. To get to Orange County from San Diego, drivers should take I-15 north to SR-91 west, then SR-55 south. If heading from Orange County south to San Diego, drivers should use SR-55 north to SR-91 east to I-15 south.
Conclusion
The closure of Interstate 5 due to the Marine Corps event has sparked controversy and concerns over public safety. The event, which includes live-fire artillery rounds being shot over the freeway, has been criticized by Governor Newsom, who accuses the President of prioritizing his ego over responsibility. The closure is expected to cause significant disruptions to traffic and has raised questions about the use of military events for political purposes.
FAQs
Q: Why is Interstate 5 closing?
A: Interstate 5 is closing due to a Marine Corps event at Camp Pendleton, which involves live-fire artillery rounds being shot over the freeway.
Q: How long will the closure last?
A: The closure will last from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Q: What is the alternative route for drivers?
A: Drivers can use State Route 15, SR-94, SR-52, SR-56, or SR-78 to I-15 north to bypass the closure.
Q: Is the event safe?
A: The Marine Corps has conducted a risk assessment and claims that the event is safe, but Governor Newsom has raised concerns about the safety of firing live rounds over a busy highway.
Q: What is the purpose of the event?
A: The event is a celebration of the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary and is intended to showcase the strength and unity of the Navy-Marine Corps team.
