CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (KABC) — A 17-mile stretch of the 5 Freeway was shut down Saturday because of a demonstration involving live ammunition in celebration of the U.S. Marine Corps 250th anniversary at Camp Pendleton, causing a major traffic gridlock.
The closure on both sides of the freeway was from Harbor Drive in Oceanside to Basilone Road near San Onofre, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Just minutes after the closure took effect at 11 a.m., the freeway began backing up with heavy traffic. It remained shut down for the better part of an hour, causing confusion among drivers who were in the area, before the freeway was opened.
The military event, which will involve “live ammunition being discharged by the federal government over the freeway,” was underway by 1:30 p.m., causing the freeway to be shut down again.
It’s expected to reopen by 3 p.m.
In addition to the heavy traffic delays, there will be no Amtrack service between Orange and San Diego counties during the 5 Freeway closure.
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.
