Officials have reopened a 17-mile stretch of Interstate 5 in California but warned of ongoing delays. This follows a military event where live-fire artillery rounds are being shot over the freeway at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in San Diego County.
Oceanside’s Assistant Police Chief John McKean explained that the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is managing the situation. They will create traffic breaks during the firing, which lasts about 15 to 20 minutes. “It’s just loud booms. It might surprise drivers, but it shouldn’t cause danger,” McKean said.
Traffic was particularly heavy near the El Camino Real exit, forming a significant backup. Vehicles attempted to escape the jam, making illegal U-turns at times to exit the freeway. Some drivers faced delays of at least 30 minutes if they attempted to bypass earlier exits, as flashing signs warned about the closure.
The closure affected routes from Harbor Drive in Oceanside to Basilone Road, impacting local drivers and even Amtrak train services, which halted operation between Orange and San Diego counties for the duration.
Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the federal government for not coordinating properly, arguing that firing live rounds over a busy highway raises serious safety concerns. “This disregard for public safety is unacceptable,” Newsom stated.
Interestingly, the closure seems to have come as a surprise to some involved. McKean noted that he had been in talks with Marine Corps officials about the event for a month, but the plan to close the freeway emerged suddenly from state authorities. In fact, officials from the Marine Corps reported they weren’t even aware of the closure prior to the morning briefing.
Historical context adds to this unusual situation. It’s the first instance in McKean’s 20 years in the area where training exercises—typically routine—have forced such an extensive freeway closure. Artillery training previously occurred regularly without needing to restrict public roads.
According to transportation experts, events like this could potentially disrupt local traffic patterns for hours. Terry Gorman Brown, a city spokesperson, mentioned that travel from San Diego to Los Angeles could take much longer due to the detours imposed by the closure.
Social media reactions have varied. Some users expressed frustration at the lack of planning, while others raised safety concerns about conducting military exercises near civilian traffic.
The military defended the event, describing it as a demonstration of strength and teamwork in preparation for possible threats. They assured that all safety protocols would be in place, though critics remain unconvinced, particularly given the tensions between California and the Trump administration, which has heightened recently over various political issues.
In a surprising twist, the military previously planned a grand celebration to mark the 250th anniversary of the Navy and Marines, featuring aerial shows and displays, but those plans have since been put on hold.
For drivers caught in the ongoing traffic, Caltrans has provided recommendations for alternative routes. Utilizing State Routes 15, 94, or 78 can help bypass the congested areas southbound toward Los Angeles.
In conclusion, the unusual closure of I-5 due to a military event highlights the challenges of safety management when civilian activities intersect with military operations. While officials aim to ensure public safety, the execution raises questions regarding communication and coordination between local and federal government bodies.
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