A portion of Interstate 5 near Camp Pendleton will be closed today, Saturday, October 18, due to a military event involving live ammunition, according to an announcement from the California Department of Transportation. The closure, which is directed by the White House, is a safety measure as live ammunition will be discharged over the freeway during the event.
The affected section of I-5 stretches from Harbor Drive to Basilone Road and will be closed from approximately noon until the event concludes. Officials have warned drivers to expect delays not only on I-5 but also on other state routes throughout Southern California before, during, and after the closure.
“Because of the event and closure, drivers should expect delays on Interstate 5 and other state routes throughout Southern California before, during, and after the event,” the department stated.
Travelers are encouraged to check real-time traffic conditions at http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ before heading through the region. In addition to road closures, passenger rail service on the adjacent rail line will also be temporarily disrupted this afternoon. Updated information on Pacific Surfliner and Metrolink service adjustments can be found at pacificsurfliner.com/alerts and metrolinktrains.com.
Detours have been outlined for travelers in the area. Northbound drivers in San Diego County will be redirected at State Route 15 in southeast San Diego. Those west of SR-15 along the I-5 corridor are advised to use alternate routes such as SR-94, SR-52, SR-56, or SR-78 to connect with I-15 north. Travelers from San Diego heading to Los Angeles County should use I-15 north to State Route 91 west. Southbound drivers from Los Angeles to San Diego should use SR-91 east to I-15 south.
For travel between San Diego and Orange County, drivers are advised to take I-15 north to SR-91 west and then SR-55 south. Conversely, those heading south from Orange County to San Diego should use SR-55 north to SR-91 east to I-15 south. For trips to and from Riverside County, the recommended routes are I-15 and SR-91.
The closure and associated travel disruptions are expected to last until the conclusion of the military event later today.
