Marines Plan Live Artillery Display Over I-5, Closure Planned

The U.S. Marines are set to conduct a live artillery exercise over a section of Interstate 5 (I-5) in Southern California, coinciding with the celebration of the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary. This event, which will be attended by Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has prompted significant safety concerns leading to the closure of a 17-mile (27 kilometers) stretch of the highway.

California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed strong objections to the military exercise, stating that prioritizing the event over public safety is unacceptable. “The President is putting his ego over responsibility with this disregard for public safety,” Newsom said in a statement. “Firing live rounds over a busy highway isn’t just wrong — it’s dangerous.”

Despite these concerns, Vance and Marine officials at Camp Pendleton maintain that the artillery exercise poses no risk and that traffic disruptions are unnecessary. They assert that the event will take place within designated training ranges and adhere to established safety protocols. The planned display includes a showcase of amphibious vehicles and aircraft, along with a beach landing demonstration.

The California Department of Transportation initially considered closing the freeway earlier in the week but ultimately decided to proceed with the closure after practice firings over the highway on March 22, 2024. They cited a request from event organizers for signage indicating “Overhead fire in progress” as part of their safety measures.

The California Highway Patrol announced that the I-5 would be closed on March 23, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. local time, with potential delays anticipated both before and after the event. According to Matt Rocco, a spokesperson for the California Department of Transportation, the closure could add up to two hours to travel times for commuters between San Diego and Los Angeles. The freeway accommodates approximately 80,000 vehicles and facilitates $94 million in freight daily.

In response to Governor Newsom’s comments, a spokesperson for Vance, William Martin, stated that the governor is misrepresenting the safety risks associated with the artillery exercise. Martin asserted that the training is routine and essential for maintaining the effectiveness of the Armed Forces. “If Gavin Newsom wants to oppose the training exercises that ensure our Armed Forces are the deadliest and most lethal fighting force in the world, then he can go right ahead,” he said.

As the event approaches, the implications of the freeway closure extend beyond just the inconvenience for travelers. Passenger rail services that run parallel to the I-5 have also been canceled for the afternoon, further complicating travel plans for those in the area.

With the military event drawing closer, both state officials and military representatives continue to navigate the complexities of ensuring public safety while honoring the tradition and history of the Marine Corps. The situation highlights the ongoing dialogue surrounding military exercises and their impact on civilian infrastructure.