Interstate 5 Temporarily Closed for Camp Pendleton Military Exercise
A 17-mile stretch of Interstate 5 was closed on October 18 due to a military event at Camp Pendleton involving live artillery fire over the freeway.
On October 18, 2025, a 17-mile section of Interstate 5 between Harbor Drive in Oceanside and Basilone Road near San Onofre was temporarily closed to accommodate a military event at Camp Pendleton. The event featured live artillery fire over the freeway as part of the Marine Corps' 250th-anniversary celebration.
The closure, which lasted from approximately 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., led to significant traffic congestion in San Diego and Orange counties. Motorists were advised to use alternative routes, including State Route 15 and State Route 91, to navigate around the affected area.
Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the federal government's handling of the event, stating that firing live rounds over a busy highway posed a public safety risk. He emphasized the need for better coordination between federal and state authorities to ensure public safety during such events.
In response, military officials assured that all necessary safety protocols were in place and that the exercise was conducted on approved training ranges. They maintained that the event was safe and did not necessitate the freeway closure.
The temporary closure also affected regional rail services, with Amtrak and Metrolink suspending operations between Orange and San Diego counties during the event. Passengers were advised to check for service updates and plan accordingly.
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