I-5 near Camp Pendleton back open after temporary closure for military event

Caltrans announced the reopening of a portion of the I-5 that was closed for a military event at Camp Pendleton from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, according to their website.

The California Highway Patrol announced Saturday morning that a section of Interstate 5 would be closed Saturday, October 18, due to a military event at Camp Pendleton.

CHP said the shutdown would last until the end of the event, which is expected to include live ammunition being discharged over the freeway.

California Governor Gavin Newsom also released a statement shortly after the closure was announced.

The military showcase has drawn has drawn strong objections from Gov. Newsom, who said safety concerns forced him to close a 17-mile portion of the interstate.

“The President is putting his ego over responsibility with this disregard for public safety,” the Democratic governor said in a statement. “Firing live rounds over a busy highway isn’t just wrong — it’s dangerous.”

Vance and U.S. Marine officials at Camp Pendleton have said there is nothing unsafe about the artillery exercise and no need to disrupt traffic on Interstate 5.

The state had considered closing the freeway earlier in the week, but the U.S. Marines said Thursday the event would occur on approved training ranges and comport with established safety protocols.

State transportation officials ultimately made the decision to close the freeway after practice firings over the freeway Friday evening and a request from event organizers for signage along the road stating “Overhead fire in progress.”

The closure of the freeway also affected the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner. The train service was suspended south of San Juan Capistrano between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Metrolink services were also suspended between Laguna Niguel and Oceanside. This affected the Orange County Line and the Inland Empire-Orange County Line with no alternate transportation options available.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.