Military Artillery Plan Sparks Safety Concerns Along California Highway

A proposed military exercise involving live artillery fire over a major Southern California highway has led to significant safety concerns, prompting Governor Gavin Newsom to close a segment of Interstate 5. The highway, which spans 17 miles (27 kilometers), will be closed on March 16, 2024, to ensure public safety during the event attended by Vice President JD Vance.

In a statement, Governor Newsom criticized the planned artillery demonstration, claiming it prioritizes ego over responsibility. “Firing live rounds over a busy highway isn’t just wrong — it’s dangerous,” he remarked. The governor’s comments reflect broader concerns about the implications of military exercises near populated areas.

The military exercise, taking place at Camp Pendleton in North San Diego County, is part of celebrations marking the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary. Vice President Vance, along with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is expected to oversee a showcase that includes amphibious vehicles and a beach landing demonstration.

Although the U.S. Marines maintain that the artillery exercise does not pose a safety risk, the California Department of Transportation decided to close the freeway after practice firings were conducted over it on the evening of March 15. Transportation officials cited the need for public safety as the primary reason for the closure. According to spokesperson Matt Rocco, “This is all because of the White House-directed military event that, for the safety of the public, we need to shut down the freeway since they’re sending live ordinances over the freeway.”

The closure is expected to create significant delays for travelers, as Interstate 5 serves approximately 80,000 vehicles daily, with freight traffic valued at around $94 million. Rocco noted that commuters could face up to an additional two hours of travel time between San Diego and Los Angeles. Passenger rail services that run parallel to the highway have also been canceled for the afternoon due to the event.

In response to the criticisms from Governor Newsom, a spokesperson for Vice President Vance, William Martin, stated that the governor is misrepresenting the safety risks involved. He insisted that the training exercises are 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,” Martin added.

The decision to conduct artillery fire over the highway has raised questions about the balance between military preparedness and public safety. As the event draws near, authorities are urging travelers to plan accordingly and expect delays, reinforcing the impact of military operations on civilian infrastructure.