Billings, MT Traffic Cameras: 150+ Live Cams

Camera Coverage

Billings sits at the crossroads of two major interstates in Montana's Northern Great Plains. As the only significant urban center between Fargo and Spokane, the city serves as a critical transportation hub where I-90 crosses the state east-west and I-94 begins its journey northeast toward North Dakota. The iconic sandstone Rimrocks create unique traffic patterns as highways climb dramatic grade changes through elevated sections. Users can also monitor live street feeds along Montana Avenue and Grand Avenue to check for road-level gridlock near the Rimrock Mall or local events.

With over 117,000 residents in the city and 180,000 in the metro area, Billings is Montana's largest population center and economic engine. The 27th Street interchange alone handles more than 60,000 vehicles daily — the highest traffic volume in the state. Summer months see substantial increases as tourists pass through en route to Yellowstone National Park, while winter brings hazardous conditions on the elevated Rimrocks corridors.

I-90: Through the Rimrocks

Interstate 90 serves as the primary transcontinental corridor through Montana, cutting through Billings at the base of the sandstone Rimrocks cliffs. The highway experiences dramatic grade changes as it climbs through elevated sections, creating scenic but challenging driving conditions. Yellowstone County consistently ranks among the top counties in Montana for traffic fatalities; monitoring live cameras is a critical safety measure, especially during the city's frequent winter weather events. Winter weather on these elevated portions can be treacherous, with ice and snow accumulating faster than on lower-elevation segments.

The route carries a mix of local commuters, regional freight, and cross-country travelers. During peak hours, the eastbound climb to Billings Heights and the westbound descent through downtown see the heaviest congestion. Summer tourist traffic heading to Yellowstone adds significant volume on weekends and holidays.

I-94: The Eastern Corridor

Interstate 94 begins at its junction with I-90 in Billings and runs northeast along the Yellowstone River toward Miles City, Glendive, and eventually North Dakota. This critical freight corridor carries agricultural products from Montana's eastern plains and serves energy industry traffic from the Bakken oil fields.

Unlike the dramatic terrain of I-90, the I-94 corridor through Billings is relatively flat, following the river valley. Traffic volumes are lighter than I-90 but still significant, particularly for commercial trucks. The junction area experiences merge congestion during peak hours as vehicles transition between the two interstates.

Traffic Patterns

Billings traffic patterns reflect its role as a regional hub rather than a major metropolitan area. Congestion is generally limited to key interchanges and commercial corridors during commute times. The 27th Street corridor sees the most consistent backups, while downtown one-way streets (Montana Avenue and 1st Avenue North) handle steady flows with occasional slowdowns during special events.

Summer months bring noticeable increases in traffic volume as tourists pass through on their way to Yellowstone National Park, approximately 100 miles southwest. Weekend traffic on westbound I-90 and southbound US-87 can be heavy during peak summer season. Winter presents the opposite challenge — lighter volumes but significantly more hazardous conditions.

Key Areas

West End Growth Corridor

The West End represents Billings' primary retail and commercial growth area, centered on Grand Avenue and Shiloh Road. Rimrock Mall anchors this corridor, surrounded by big-box retailers, restaurants, and entertainment venues. In this growing district, Mullowny Lane has become one of the busiest surface routes in the city, handling nearly 48,000 vehicles daily as it connects high-density residential areas to the commercial hub. Traffic volumes increase significantly during holiday shopping seasons and summer months when tourists stop for supplies before continuing to Yellowstone.

Grand Avenue carries continuous traffic throughout the day, with peak congestion during traditional rush hours and weekend afternoons. The corridor connects directly to I-90, making it a key route for both local residents and through-travelers.

Downtown Billings

Montana's largest downtown preserves its historic character along Montana Avenue and 1st Avenue North — parallel one-way streets that form the core of the city's business district. The area hosts cultural venues including Alberta Bair Theater and Babcock Theatre, along with restaurants, offices, and government buildings.

Summer events like Alive After 5 outdoor concert series and the Montana Fair draw large crowds to downtown and the adjacent MetraPark complex. These events create temporary congestion on surface streets, though the one-way system generally keeps traffic moving efficiently.

MetraPark Events

The MetraPark complex sits adjacent to the I-90/27th Street interchange, creating significant traffic impacts during major events. The facility hosts the annual Montana Fair, Montana's largest public event, along with concerts, sporting events, and trade shows throughout the year. Event traffic can back up onto the interstate during large shows.

Weather Impacts

Billings experiences dramatic weather swings due to its location in the Northern Great Plains. Winter brings the most significant traffic impacts, with snowstorms capable of shutting down elevated highway sections. The famous Chinook winds — warm downslope flows from the Rockies — can raise temperatures by 30-40 degrees in hours, rapidly melting snow but creating dangerous ice conditions in the process.

Bridge decks and overpasses freeze before other road surfaces, creating hazards during the freeze-thaw cycles common in Billings winters. High-profile vehicles face particular challenges from strong winds on exposed highway sections. Summer weather is generally favorable for travel, though intense thunderstorms can produce brief but severe flooding in drainage areas.

About the Platform

TrafficVision.Live provides free access to 150+ live traffic cameras throughout Billings and Yellowstone County. Our platform aggregates feeds from the Montana Department of Transportation and Montana 511 into a single, easy-to-use interface. These cameras are part of our network of 135,000+ live feeds from 600+ sources worldwide.

The platform includes an interactive map showing all camera locations, grid view for browsing multiple feeds, custom route planning to monitor your daily commute or road trips, and the ability to save favorite cameras for quick access. No registration required — all features are completely free.

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