Monitor 450+ Live Traffic Cameras in Duluth, MN
Access real-time traffic conditions across the Zenith City and the North Shore. From the steep descent of Thompson Hill and the vital I-35 corridor to the critical Blatnik and Bong bridges, monitor Duluth road conditions with 450+ free live camera feeds updated 24/7. Regional travel times between Minneapolis and Duluth can increase significantly during peak tourist seasons, often extending from a standard 2.5 hours to nearly 4 hours on Friday afternoons.
View Duluth Cameras ->Duluth, Minnesota, situated at the westernmost tip of Lake Superior, is a city defined by its rugged landscape and its role as a premier inland port. Built into a steep hillside, the city's transportation network manages a complex mix of heavy industrial freight, long-distance tourism, and challenging northern weather. Navigating the "Gateway to the North Shore" requires up-to-the-minute data to manage the daily flows of travelers and logistics. Our platform aggregates live traffic cameras from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) via the 511MN system, providing comprehensive coverage of every major interchange, bridge, and scenic corridor in the Duluth area.
The Thompson Hill Descent (I-35) is the most critical and weather-sensitive point in the city. Cameras monitor the steep grade as I-35 enters Duluth from the south, providing essential data for drivers navigating the sharp turns and frequent icy conditions. Checking these feeds is a necessity for anyone arriving from the Twin Cities, especially during winter months.
The Blatnik and Bong Bridges are the primary links between Duluth and Superior, Wisconsin. Cameras monitor these high-traffic spans, providing vital data on the daily cross-border commute and the heavy truck traffic serving the Port of Duluth-Superior. These feeds are the first place locals look during the morning rush to see which bridge offers the clearest path.
Canal Park and the Aerial Lift Bridge area feature a high concentration of cameras. As the city's primary tourist district, this area experiences massive surges during summer weekends and maritime events. Our cameras monitor the intersections serving the Lakewalk and the lift bridge, helping residents and visitors navigate the "Bridge Up" delays in real-time.
US-53 and the Miller Hill Mall area is served by cameras monitoring the city's primary retail and commercial corridor on the "hilltop." These feeds provide vital views of the traffic flow past the major shopping centers and the connection to the Duluth International Airport (DLH).
Start Monitoring Duluth Traffic
View live conditions across Duluth and the North Shore. Plan your commute or weekend getaway with real-time camera feeds. Filter by highway number, bridge, or landmark.
View All Cameras ->Key Duluth Transportation Corridors
Duluth's traffic flow is dictated by the narrow corridors squeezed between the Saint Louis River and the rocky cliffs of the North Shore.
I-35 (Mid-Continent Corridor)
The primary artery serving the city center and the lakefront. Cameras cover the entire route from Thompson Hill to the northern terminus near the Lakewalk. Essential for monitoring tourist traffic and cross-city commutes.
US-53 (Miller Trunk Highway)
The vital link between the hilltop and the downtown area. Cameras provide clear views of the traffic flow past the Miller Hill Mall and toward the iron range towns of the north.
MN-61 (North Shore Drive)
The gateway to the scenic coast. Cameras monitor the start of the North Shore route from the London Road junctions, capturing the heavy "up north" migration during the peak summer and fall seasons.
US-2 & The Bong Bridge
Connecting the western industrial zones to Wisconsin. Cameras monitor the heavy freight traffic and the commuter flows through the West Duluth neighborhoods.
Critical Bottlenecks and Hillside Logistics
The "Can of Worms" (I-35/I-535/US-53): A major multi-level interchange serving the harbor and the bridges. This segment handles an average of 72,200 vehicles daily, including over 3,400 heavy commercial vehicles, according to MnDOT and city data. As one of the state's most notorious interchanges, it serves as a primary bottleneck for north-south transit and harbor logistics, making real-time monitoring essential.
The Aerial Lift Bridge (Canal Park): While iconic, the bridge causes significant traffic pauses when raised for large lake freighters. Our cameras help you see the "bridge status" and the resulting queue on Lake Avenue before you enter the Canal Park district.
Mesaba Avenue & Highway 194: The primary steep descent from the hilltop to the downtown medical district. Cameras monitor these steep grades, providing vital views of the traffic flow past the hospitals and the historic Central High School area.
The London Road Corridor: Serving the eastern residential and tourist districts. Cameras monitor the intersections near the Glensheen Mansion and the North Shore bypass, essential for managing the heavy seasonal waves.
Thompson Hill Weather Monitoring
Because of the 600-foot elevation change, weather at the top of the hill can be dramatically different from the lakefront. Our cameras on Thompson Hill allow you to see the "snow line" in real-time. If you see whiteout conditions at the rest area but clear roads at the base, you'll know to use extreme caution during the descent.
Seasonal and Maritime Traffic Patterns
Winter Ice and Hillside Hazards
Duluth faces some of the most challenging winter driving in America. The combination of steep hills and lake-effect snow can make surface streets and freeway ramps impassable. Safety is a major concern, as St. Louis County recorded 11 fatal crashes and 119 injury-related incidents in 2023 on county-maintained roads, emphasizing the need for real-time monitoring. Use our cameras to check for plowed lanes on I-35 and to monitor for "black ice" on the Blatnik Bridge during high-wind events.
Duluth Traffic by Season:
- Summer (Tourist Season): Monitoring the I-35 and MN-61 corridors for massive surges in North Shore-bound traffic. Cameras near Canal Park are high-priority zones every weekend.
- Fall (Gale Season): During heavy Lake Superior storms, high winds can impact high-sided vehicles on the Blatnik Bridge. Use our cameras to check bridge status and wind-blown spray.
- Winter (Snow Season): Monitoring the "Hill" descents and the downtown tunnels for surface conditions. Real-time cameras are the only way to see if the hills are safely navigable after a fresh storm.
- Shipping Season: From March to January, the arrival of "Lakers" and "Salties" can cause frequent Aerial Lift Bridge lifts. Monitoring the harbor cameras helps you time your arrival to Canal Park.
Commuter Hotspots: The morning rush typically peaks between 7:30 AM and 8:30 AM, with heavy inbound flow from the northern hilltop and western suburbs. The evening peak begins at 4:30 PM. Our live feeds let you see the "slowdown" points near the downtown tunnels before you start your drive.
Check Current Conditions
View live camera feeds to assess weather, traffic flow, and road conditions before your trip. Filter by road name or specific landmark.
View All Cameras ->How TrafficVision Helps Duluth Drivers
Our platform provides 135,000+ cameras from 600+ sources across 130+ countries, with 450+ focused specifically on the Duluth and North Shore area:
- Interactive Map: Zoom into the "Can of Worms" or the Aerial Lift Bridge to find the exact camera viewing your route.
- Grid View: Scan all I-35 cameras at once to see the "big picture" of the lakeside traffic flow.
- Route Builder: Plan your drive from Hermantown to Two Harbors and see every camera along the way, including conditions at the tunnels.
- Favorites: Bookmark your neighborhood hilltop exit or the bridge crossing camera for instant access on your phone.
- Real-Time Feeds: Access images from MnDOT that refresh frequently, providing the most current visual data available.
- Search and Filter: Quickly find cameras by bridge name (e.g., "Blatnik Bridge") or specific neighborhood landmark.
Explore Duluth Routes
Plan your Arrowhead Region commute or North Shore road trip with our route planning tool. Add waypoints and discover all available cameras along your path.
Build Your Route ->Related Resources
- Minneapolis Traffic Cameras: Monitor the traffic systems at the southern end of the I-35 corridor.
- Minnesota Traffic Cameras: Access the complete MnDOT camera network across the state.
- Getting Started with Traffic Cameras: Learn how to interpret camera feeds and plan safer trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many traffic cameras are available in Duluth, MN?
Our platform aggregates 450+ live traffic cameras across the Duluth metropolitan area and the Saint Louis County region. This includes comprehensive coverage of I-35, US-53, the Blatnik and Bong bridges, and major surface arterials.
Are the Duluth cameras live video?
Most cameras managed by MnDOT provide high-frequency snapshots that refresh every few seconds, while key harbor and interchange feeds often offer live video streams. This allows you to monitor lakefront weather and road conditions effectively.
How can I check if the Aerial Lift Bridge is up?
Search for "Lift Bridge" or "Canal Park" on our platform. We provide multiple camera views of the bridge and the harbor entrance, allowing you to see actual bridge status and traffic queues in real-time.
Can I see road conditions on Thompson Hill?
Yes, we have a dense cluster of cameras monitoring the I-35 ascent and descent at Thompson Hill. These are essential for checking visibility and snow levels before navigating the city's steepest highway segment.
Do I need an account to view Duluth traffic cameras?
No, all traffic camera feeds on our platform are free to access without an account. However, creating a free account allows you to save your favorite cameras (like the one near your hilltop home) for instant access.
Start Monitoring Duluth Traffic Cameras
Access 450+ live traffic cameras covering the Zenith City and the North Shore. Monitor current conditions, plan safer commutes, and stay ahead of the weather from Thompson Hill to the Aerial Lift Bridge.
View All Duluth Cameras ->