California (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Interstate 5 through Camp Pendleton in Southern California will be closed today, October 18, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. due to a live-fire Marine Corps event celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps. The closure affects a 17-mile stretch between Harbor Drive in Oceanside and Basilone Road near San Onofre, causing major traffic disruptions. Motorists are advised to take Interstate 15 as the primary alternative route.
Reason for Closure and Event Details
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) announced that the closure is necessary for public safety during the Marine live-fire demonstration involving live artillery rounds being fired over the freeway at Camp Pendleton. This military event, called “America‘s 250 From Sea,” is White House-directed and commemorates the Marine Corps’ 250th birthday. CHP stated that the closure aims to mitigate “extreme life safety risk and distraction to drivers,” including unexpected loud explosions.
Affected Highway Section
The closure spans a 17-mile segment of Interstate 5 extending from Harbor Drive in Oceanside to Basilone Road near San Onofre. This section is a critical north-south artery along the Southern California coast, heavily used for commuting and freight between Orange County and northern San Diego County.
Traffic Impact and Alternative Routes
With the Interstate 5 closure, drivers should expect significant delays across Southern California highways. Because of the vast military base Camp Pendleton sitting between these areas, detours require substantial rerouting. According to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), motorists are advised to use Interstate 15 as the principal alternate route, which circumnavigates Camp Pendleton inland:
- Northbound drivers from San Diego are advised to take I-15 north to State Route 91 west toward Los Angeles.
- Southbound drivers from Los Angeles are advised to take SR-91 east to I-15 south.
- Travelers aiming for Orange County should take I-15 north to SR-91 west, then SR-55 south.
- Drivers from Orange County to San Diego should use SR-55 north to SR-91 east then I-15 south.
The detour transforms what is ordinarily a 22-mile, approximately 23-minute drive from Oceanside to San Clemente into a lengthy 138-mile journey taking well over two hours if avoiding tolled roads.
Public Transport Disruption
Metrolink and Pacific Surfliner rail services adjacent to the affected freeway section will face temporary suspensions, as confirmed by transportation authorities. Alternate transportation options and alerts can be found on the official websites of Metrolink and Pacific Surfliner.
State and Public Reactions
California Governor Gavin Newsom criticised the closure, describing it as an “absurd show of force” and lamenting potential losses estimated at $8.2 million in visitor revenue due to the freeway shutdown. He highlighted the disruption at a time when Californians expect efficient infrastructure and fewer traffic delays. Public reaction has been mixed, with some motorists frustrated by the last-minute communication and the lengthy detours.
Safety Considerations
The closure is directed to ensure public safety due to the inherent risks of live artillery fire overhead. Officials warn about the potential danger and distraction from the loud noise and explosions, which could impair driver focus and cause accidents if the freeway remained open.
