San Diego, December 19, 2025
San Diego lawmakers are demanding explanations for a series of lengthy closures of Interstate 5, disrupting daily commutes and travel plans. Recent incidents have raised concerns over communication and management of freeway shutdowns, prompting legislators to propose improved coordination and real-time updates to inform the public.
San Diego Residents Express Frustration Over Frequent I-5 Closures
San Diego, CA – Local lawmakers are demanding answers from state transportation and law enforcement agencies following a series of prolonged closures on Interstate 5 (I-5) that have significantly disrupted daily commutes and travel plans for San Diego County residents.
Recent I-5 Closures and Public Outcry
Since September, stretches of I-5 have been temporarily shut down for planned or emergency closures at least once a month. The most recent incident occurred on December 5, when a person threatening to jump from the Del Mar Heights Road bridge led to full and partial lane closures for approximately eight hours. This followed a 12-hour closure in Oceanside on November 22 due to a law enforcement pursuit and shooting, and a complete closure near Camp Pendleton on October 5 for a military demonstration. Each of these closures took place on Fridays or Saturdays, prime times for motorists traveling to and from San Diego for weekend getaways or local residents heading to Los Angeles or Orange counties.
Legislators’ Response
In response to these disruptions, three state senators, four assemblymembers, and San Diego City Council President Joe LaCava have signed a letter addressed to Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy, California Highway Patrol Commissioner Sean Duryee, and San Diego Police Department Chief Scott Wahl. The letter expresses concern over the unintended consequences of the December 5 shutdown, noting that parents were unable to pick up children from childcare, individuals missed flights, and workers faced challenges commuting to and from their jobs. The lawmakers emphasized the profound negative ripple effects that occur when a major transportation artery like I-5 is closed.
Call for Improved Coordination and Communication
The legislators highlighted the need for greater clarity regarding the management of freeway closures, decision-making processes during incidents, expeditious reopening of freeway operations, and public communication strategies. They proposed the feasibility of mass text message communications to inform the public about freeway closures in real time. The letter also underscored the importance of balancing public safety with minimizing disruptions to daily life.
Background Context
Interstate 5 is a critical transportation corridor for San Diego County, facilitating daily commutes, tourism, and regional connectivity. Prolonged closures not only inconvenience residents but also have broader economic and social implications. The recent series of closures has intensified discussions about the need for improved infrastructure management, emergency response coordination, and transparent communication with the public to mitigate the impact of such incidents.
Key Features of the Recent I-5 Closures and Legislative Response
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incidents Leading to Closures | Del Mar Heights Road bridge threat (Dec 5), Oceanside law enforcement pursuit (Nov 22), Camp Pendleton military demonstration (Oct 5) |
| Duration of Closures | Approximately 8 hours (Dec 5), over 12 hours (Nov 22), full closure (Oct 5) |
| Legislators’ Actions | Letter signed by 3 state senators, 4 assemblymembers, and City Council President Joe LaCava to state officials |
| Proposed Solutions | Improved coordination, real-time public communication (e.g., mass text messages), expeditious reopening of freeway operations |
| Impact on Residents | Disruptions to daily commutes, missed flights, challenges in accessing childcare and workplaces |
What prompted the recent I-5 closures in San Diego County?
The recent I-5 closures were due to various incidents, including a person threatening to jump from the Del Mar Heights Road bridge on December 5, a law enforcement pursuit and shooting in Oceanside on November 22, and a military demonstration near Camp Pendleton on October 5.
How have local lawmakers responded to these closures?
Local lawmakers, including three state senators, four assemblymembers, and San Diego City Council President Joe LaCava, have signed a letter to state transportation and law enforcement officials demanding answers and improved coordination to prevent such disruptions in the future.
What are the proposed solutions to address the impact of I-5 closures?
The legislators have called for greater clarity on how freeway closures are managed, how decisions are made in real time, how to expeditiously reopen freeway operations, and how public communications are handled. They also suggested the feasibility of mass text message communications to inform the public about freeway closures in real time.
Why are these closures particularly disruptive?
These closures are disruptive because they occur during peak travel times, such as Fridays and Saturdays, affecting daily commutes, tourism, and regional connectivity. The prolonged nature of the closures exacerbates the inconvenience for residents and visitors alike.
What is the significance of Interstate 5 for San Diego County?
Interstate 5 is a vital transportation corridor for San Diego County, facilitating daily commutes, tourism, and regional connectivity. Prolonged closures not only inconvenience residents but also have broader economic and social implications.
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