Sunshine Skyway Bridge Cameras: I-275 Tampa Bay
Monitor the Sunshine Skyway Bridge — the iconic cable-stayed bridge carrying I-275 across Tampa Bay between St. Petersburg and Bradenton/Palmetto. The 1987 bridge replaced the 1980 span collapse and features a dramatic 432-foot main span with golden cable-stays. Track high-wind closures, daily traffic, and Tampa Bay approach conditions on TrafficVision.Live.
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Bradenton/Palmetto, Florida | Opened: April 30, 1987 (replaced 1980 collapsed span) | Main Span: 1,200 feet (cable-stayed) with 432-ft vertical clearance | Total Length: 4.14 miles (approximately 21,877 feet) | 1980 Disaster: Original south span collapsed May 9, 1980 after freighter Summit Venture struck a pier — 35 deaths | Design: Cable-stayed main span with golden cable-stays visible from miles away | Toll: Yes — all-electronic (SunPass or Toll-by-Plate) | High-Wind Closures: Bridge closes during sustained winds over 40 mph / gusts over 55 mph | Camera Sources: FDOT, 511 FloridaThe Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge (commonly "Sunshine Skyway") carries Interstate 275 across the mouth of Tampa Bay between St. Petersburg (Pinellas County, north) and Bradenton/Palmetto (Manatee County, south). Opened April 30, 1987, the current bridge replaced the original 1954 Sunshine Skyway, a portion of which collapsed catastrophically on May 9, 1980 when the freighter Summit Venture struck a support pier during a storm — a disaster killing 35 people. The replacement bridge's iconic cable-stayed design features 432 feet of vertical clearance over the shipping channel, allowing even the largest cruise ships and cargo vessels to pass underneath. The bridge is 4.14 miles total (~21,877 feet). The bridge is a tolled facility (SunPass or Toll-by-Plate, all-electronic) and is subject to high-wind closures — sustained winds over 40 mph or gusts over 55 mph trigger full closure. The iconic golden cable-stays are visible from miles away, making the Skyway one of Florida's most recognizable landmarks. FDOT and 511 Florida provide extensive Sunshine Skyway camera coverage.
Sunshine Skyway Coverage
North Approach (St. Petersburg)
Pinellas County side
I-275 from St. Petersburg south to the Skyway north rest stop and toll plaza.
Main Span (1,200 ft cable-stayed)
Iconic golden cables
The main span features distinctive golden cable-stays that have become the defining Tampa Bay landmark.
432-ft Ship Channel Clearance
Cruise + cargo passage
432 feet of vertical clearance allows even the largest vessels to pass underneath — critical for Port of Tampa operations.
South Approach (Bradenton/Palmetto)
Manatee County side
I-275 continues south into Manatee County toward Bradenton, Sarasota, and I-75.
North + South Fishing Piers
Remnants of 1954 bridge
Portions of the original 1954 bridge serve as fishing piers — popular angler destinations.
High-Wind Closure Gates
Automated closure system
Wind sensors trigger closure protocols — bridge gates physically close bridge during severe weather.
When to Check Sunshine Skyway Cameras
Sunshine Skyway Peak Traffic Windows
- Weekday commute — AM northbound (to St. Pete/Tampa), PM southbound (return to Bradenton/Sarasota)
- Summer beach traffic — Fort De Soto, St. Pete Beach, Anna Maria Island
- Snowbird season (Nov-Mar) — Peak winter tourism volume
- Spring Break (Mar-Apr) — Major regional traffic spike
- Hurricane evacuations — Tampa Bay evacuation requires northbound I-275 capacity
- Tropical storm wind closures — Severe weather triggers automated closure
- Cruise ship passage — Ports of Tampa + Port Manatee cruise ships use the channel
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers / Rays / Lightning — Tampa-area sports drive regional traffic
- 2026 FIFA World Cup — Miami + LA venues — see Miami World Cup guide
View Live Sunshine Skyway Cameras
Check Sunshine Skyway bridge conditions, wind-closure status, and Tampa Bay approach traffic — free, 24/7, no sign-up.
VIEW SUNSHINE SKYWAY CAMERAS →Sunshine Skyway Wind Closure Protocol
Per FDOT, the Sunshine Skyway closes during high-wind events. Closure thresholds:
- Sustained winds over 40 mph or gusts over 55 mph → full bridge closure
- Higher wind thresholds trigger automated gate closures
- Alternative routes during closure: I-75 east then south around Tampa Bay (~30+ miles longer)
During Gulf storms and hurricanes, the Skyway can close for hours or days. Monitor TrafficVision live cameras and 511 Florida during tropical weather.
Pro Tip: The 1980 Disaster + Memorial
The 1980 Summit Venture disaster remains one of the most devastating bridge accidents in US history. Key context:
- May 9, 1980: Freighter Summit Venture lost visibility in a storm, struck the southbound span's support pier
- 1,261-foot section of the bridge collapsed
- 35 deaths — most from a Greyhound bus that drove into the gap
- New bridge (1987) designed specifically to prevent repeat: massive concrete "bumper islands" around piers, cable-stayed design with fewer water piers
Visitors can see the 1980 disaster memorial at the St. Petersburg-side rest area. The remaining portions of the original 1954 bridge are now fishing piers on both sides.
For Tampa Bay travelers, see our Florida traffic cameras guide, Tampa traffic cameras guide, TPA Tampa airport guide, St. Petersburg guide, Florida beach cams guide, Gulf Coast beach cams, Atlantic hurricane season guide, I-4 corridor guide, I-75 corridor guide, and I-95 corridor guide.
Track Sunshine Skyway Traffic
Browse live FDOT and 511 Florida camera feeds.
VIEW SUNSHINE SKYWAY CAMERAS →When did the Sunshine Skyway Bridge open?
The current Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge opened April 30, 1987. It replaced the original 1954 bridge, a portion of which collapsed catastrophically on May 9, 1980 when the freighter Summit Venture struck a support pier in a storm.
What happened in the 1980 Summit Venture disaster?
On May 9, 1980, the freighter Summit Venture lost visibility in a storm and struck a support pier of the southbound span of the original 1954 Sunshine Skyway. A 1,261-foot section collapsed and 35 people died, most from a Greyhound bus that drove into the gap. The 1987 replacement bridge was designed specifically to prevent a repeat — with massive concrete "bumper islands" protecting the support piers.
Is the Sunshine Skyway tolled?
Yes. All-electronic tolling via SunPass or Toll-by-Plate. Tolls are collected for both directions.
Does the Sunshine Skyway close in windy weather?
Yes. Per FDOT protocols, the bridge closes during sustained winds over 40 mph or gusts over 55 mph. Severe storm events trigger full closures that can last hours or days.
Are Sunshine Skyway cameras free to view?
Yes. Every camera on TrafficVision.Live is free with no account required. We aggregate publicly operated FDOT and 511 Florida feeds.
Can I fish from the old Skyway piers?
Yes. Remaining portions of the original 1954 bridge serve as fishing piers on both the north (St. Petersburg) and south (Bradenton/Palmetto) sides of Tampa Bay — popular angler destinations.
Ready to Monitor the Sunshine Skyway?
Track live I-275 Tampa Bay crossing with FDOT cameras — free, instant, no sign-up.
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