California is closing a large stretch of Interstate 5 near Camp Pendleton today after the Marine Corps confirmed it would be conducting an artillery live-fire event over the freeway.

The state announced the four-hour closure Saturday morning, citing “extreme life safety risk and distraction to drivers, including sudden unexpected and loud explosions,” from the Marine Corps’ event today as part of its 250th birthday celebration. The closure will be in effect between Harbor Drive in Oceanside to Basilone Road near San Onofre and comes only three days after the Marine Corps said that no freeway closure would be necessary.

“Due to an event at Camp Pendleton today, October 18th, Interstate 5 will be closed from Harbor Drive to Basilone Road between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm.,” California Highway P

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