Camp Pendleton: I-5 freeway closed due to Marines anniversary event in Southern California

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — A 17-mile stretch of the I-5 freeway in Southern California was shut down Saturday because of a demonstration involving live ammunition in celebration of the U.S. Marine Corps 250th anniversary at Camp Pendleton.

The freeway has since reopened Saturday afternoon. The closure impacted both sides of the freeway from Harbor Drive in Oceanside to Basilone Road near San Onofre.

Just minutes after the closure took effect at 11 a.m., the freeway began backing up with heavy traffic.

In a statement, the CHP said the military event will involve “live ammunition being discharged by the federal government over the freeway.”

Video provided by California officials shows live munitions being fired near the freeway Friday in an apparent practice run.

Outrage grew after the Trump administration said the Marine Corps would be firing live ammunition during the demonstration on Saturday and was considering shutting down a stretch of the 5 Freeway by the base.

On Thursday, the Marines said the celebration would not shut down the freeway.

But the state was asked Friday to put signage along the freeway that read “Overhead fire in progress,” according to a statement from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office. Early Saturday morning, the federal government informed the state that the live fire activities were scheduled for Saturday afternoon.

Due to the safety risk and distractions to drivers, the CHP made the call to temporarily shut down the freeway.

Over 80,000 travelers and $94 million in freight travel the freeway every day, according to Newsom’s office.

The Marine Corps is celebrating its 250th anniversary on Saturday afternoon at Camp Pendleton. The vice president, war secretary and thousands of other spectators are expected to attend the live-fire exercise.

The actual birthday of the Marine Corps is Nov. 10.