Camp Pendleton Ammo Exercise Closes Freeway, Triggers Weekend Gridlock

Camp Pendleton in California became the center of attention on Saturday when a significant military event triggered extensive traffic disruptions. The U.S. Marine Corps held a demonstration featuring live ammunition to celebrate its 250th anniversary.

5 Freeway Closure Details

A 17-mile segment of the 5 Freeway was closed starting at 11 a.m. This closure stretched from Harbor Drive in Oceanside to Basilone Road, near San Onofre. According to the California Highway Patrol, the closure was necessary due to safety concerns.

Traffic Impact

• Heavy traffic began immediately after the closure commenced.
• Drivers reported waiting in gridlock for over an hour.
• The freeway reopened around 3 p.m., but congestion lingered in the vicinity.

Traffic was diverted, causing additional delays on the 15 Freeway. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) made the decision to close the freeway to mitigate the risks associated with the live fire exercises.

Live Ammunition Exercise

The military exercises featured live ammunition being discharged, prompting heightened safety measures. Eyewitness reports indicated that the initial traffic jam coincided with the demonstration’s start at approximately 1:30 p.m.

Additional Service Disruptions

Amtrak service between Orange and San Diego counties was suspended during the freeway closure. This was another factor contributing to the traffic woes faced by commuters.

State and Federal Coordination

The situation escalated following mixed messages about the event’s impact on traffic. Initially, the Marines indicated there would be no freeway closure, but later informed state officials that live fire activities were indeed planned for Saturday afternoon.

Governor Gavin Newsom’s office requested signage to warn drivers of the “Overhead fire in progress,” but the communication led to confusion and frustration among travelers.

Marine Corps Anniversary Celebration

The live-fire demonstration was part of festivities marking the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps. The actual birthday of the Marine Corps is celebrated on November 10. High-profile attendees included the Vice President and the Secretary of War, alongside thousands of spectators.

Daily, over 80,000 vehicles travel the 5 Freeway, handling approximately $94 million in freight. The closure highlights the significant impact military training exercises can have on local infrastructure and traffic flow.