Officials have reopened a 17-mile stretch of Interstate 5, yet they caution drivers to expect significant traffic delays throughout the afternoon. This is due to live-fire artillery rounds being discharged over the freeway as part of a military event at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Oceanside’s Assistant Police Chief, John McKean, informed The Times that the California Highway Patrol has resumed normal operations on the freeway but will implement traffic breaks when the artillery fire occurs.
“It’s not like they’re going to get hit by explosives or anything like that,” McKean explained. “It’s just loud booms that may scare drivers when they go off, which could last for about 15 to 20 minutes.” The southbound lanes of the I-5 had previously come to a standstill approximately half a mile before the El Camino Real exit, right before the closure zone.
The closures were enforced from Harbor Drive in Oceanside to Basilone Road near San Onofre, effective from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Drivers faced considerable challenges as the previous three freeway exits - Avenida Palizada, Avenida Pico, and Avenida Vista Hermosa - displayed flashing signs warning of the impending closure. Those who attempted to bypass the traffic bottleneck faced delays exceeding 30 minutes.
Amtrak services between Orange and San Diego counties were also suspended during midday hours, further complicating travel plans for commuters. Notably, some drivers attempted to make illegal maneuvers, executing nearly 90-degree turns on the freeway to exit at the vacant El Camino Real on-ramp, which was later closed off by a Highway Patrol officer.
Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his discontent with the White House, criticizing them for a lack of coordination and communication regarding safety information ahead of the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary celebration, which will be attended by Vice President JD Vance. “The President is prioritizing his ego over public safety,” Newsom stated. “Firing live rounds over a busy highway isn’t just wrong — it’s dangerous.”
According to McKean, discussions with Camp Pendleton officials regarding the celebration had been ongoing for a month. However, the decision to close the interstate “came up overnight from Governor Newsom’s office.” The city of Oceanside was informed of the closure at 7:30 a.m. on the same day via a California Highway Patrol update.
McKean, who has lived in the Oceanside area since 1996, noted that this is the first occurrence of any training, apart from fire drills, leading to an I-5 closure. He added that with his 20 years of experience in the Marine Corps, he acknowledges the potential distractions posed by artillery fire for drivers.
Terry Gorman Brown, spokesperson for the city, highlighted that the closure would significantly increase travel times for anyone attempting to go from San Diego to Los Angeles. Despite claims from the Marine Corps and the White House that the closure was unnecessary, the situation reflects increasing tensions between California and the Trump administration.
The Marine Corps stated that the event would be a “historic Amphibious Capabilities Demonstration,” showcasing the Navy-Marine Corps team’s strength and readiness to defend the nation. A spokesperson confirmed that artillery had been fired from Red Beach into designated ranges the previous evening as part of a rehearsal.
“M777 artillery pieces have been historically fired during routine training from land-based points west of the I-5 without requiring a freeway closure,” the statement explained. During the event, no ordnance would be discharged from a U.S. Navy ship; however, high-explosive rounds from M777 Howitzers would be fired with all safety precautions in place.
Caltrans has advised drivers to expect delays before, during, and after the military event. For those traveling north from San Diego, detours begin at State Route 15 in southeast San Diego. Drivers in San Diego County are recommended to use SR-94, SR-52, SR-56, or SR-78 as alternatives to the I-5 corridor. For southbound travelers from Los Angeles to San Diego, the suggested route includes I-15 north to State Route 91 west.
Plans for a grand celebration next month marking the 250th anniversary of the Navy and Marines, which would have included an air and sea show, have reportedly been canceled. This situation continues to unfold against a backdrop of protests and public demonstrations across Southern California, including the “No Kings” rallies opposing perceived government overreach.
