CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — A section of Interstate 5 will be temporarily closed Saturday afternoon due to a controversial live-fire military demonstration at Camp Pendleton, prompting some concerns from state officials over public safety.
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Governor Gavin Newsom issued a sharp statement Saturday morning, blasting the federal government’s decision to move forward with the event, which involves live artillery fire in close proximity to the heavily trafficked I-5 freeway.
“The President is putting his ego over responsibility with this disregard for public safety,” said Newsom. “Firing live rounds over a busy highway isn’t just wrong — it’s dangerous.”
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The state was first alerted to the planned event between Oct. 17-18, which includes live-fire exercises near I-5 and even signage warning drivers of: “Overhead fire in progress.” According to officials, a practice round was observed Friday by state personnel near the freeway. Early Saturday morning, the federal government confirmed that live fire activity is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, according to the governor.
As a result, the California Highway Patrol has ordered a temporary closure of a section of I-5 near Camp Pendleton during the exercise, citing “extreme life safety risk” and the potential for dangerous driver distraction due to unexpected loud explosions.
In addition to the freeway closure, train service between Orange and San Diego counties has also been canceled for Saturday, following federal direction.
The I-5 freeway is a critical economic corridor for Southern California, with thousands of travelers daily. Drivers are being urged to avoid the area, plan alternate routes, and expect delays on I-5 and surrounding highways throughout Saturday.
