11/10/2010
Idaho Transportation Department issues permits for over-size loads on U.S. 12; suspends shipments
BOISE - The Idaho Transportation Department issued permits Wednesday for over-sized loads to travel from Lewiston to the Montana border on U.S. 12, but the shipments will be suspended until after a hearing officer rules whether an intervention into the process is warranted by interested parties.
ITD Director Brian W. Ness will appoint an independent third-party hearing officer to conduct the administrative process. The department uses hearing officers to settle a variety of administrative claims ranging from drivers license suspensions and bidding, to construction and highway access claims.
No timeframe has been established for a ruling.
The permits were issued to Emmert International, the contract hauler for ConocoPhillips. ITD's Motor Vehicle Administrator Alan Frew said the loads meet the state's legal requirements for an over-legal permit. In the judgment of ITD's professional staff, Frew said, the loads can be transported safely, without risk to the highways and bridges, with minimal delay to traffic and without disruption to emergency services.