In Southern California, a significant segment of the I-5 freeway was temporarily shut down on Saturday due to a unique event at Camp Pendleton. This closure was part of a demonstration involving live ammunition, held to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps.

By Saturday afternoon, the freeway was reopened, but not before impacting traffic on both sides. The affected stretch extended from Harbor Drive in Oceanside to Basilone Road near San Onofre, creating substantial congestion shortly after the closure commenced at 11 a.m.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) released a statement explaining that the military demonstration would involve “live ammunition being discharged by the federal government over the freeway.” This announcement was crucial for public awareness and safety during the event.

Footage supplied by California officials depicted live munitions being fired near the freeway the previous day, suggesting a practice run had been conducted in preparation for the main event. This visual documentation provided a glimpse into the scale and nature of the military exercise.

Video provided by California officials shows live munitions being fired near the freeway Friday in an apparent practice run.

Outrage grew after the Trump administration said the Marine Corps would be firing live ammunition during the demonstration on Saturday and was considering shutting down a stretch of the 5 Freeway by the base.

On Thursday, the Marines said the celebration would not shut down the freeway.

But the state was asked Friday to put signage along the freeway that read “Overhead fire in progress,” according to a statement from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office. Early Saturday morning, the federal government informed the state that the live fire activities were scheduled for Saturday afternoon.

Due to the safety risk and distractions to drivers, the CHP made the call to temporarily shut down the freeway.

Over 80,000 travelers and $94 million in freight travel the freeway every day, according to Newsom’s office.

The Marine Corps is celebrating its 250th anniversary on Saturday afternoon at Camp Pendleton. The vice president, war secretary and thousands of other spectators are expected to attend the live-fire exercise.

The actual birthday of the Marine Corps is Nov. 10.