2/4/2011
UPDATE: ConocoPhillips shipment delayed until Monday, Feb. 7
LEWISTON - An
oversized ConocoPhillips load that was delayed in transit by freezing rain is
expected to resume travel to Montana no earlier than Monday, Feb. 7 at 10 p.m.,
assuming conditions are favorable, the Idaho Transportation Department
announced.
Staff from ITD and Emmert International, the hauler of the loads, met
late this afternoon to review weather forecasts and decided to delay the transport
until Monday. Earlier today, it was believed the load could move Saturday evening.
The shipment of
refinery equipment began Tuesday (Feb. 1) at the Port of Lewiston but was
delayed temporarily near Kooskia after two nights of travel.
"We're only moving forward with the equipment transports when we're sure
it can be done safely," said Doral Hoff, an ITD maintenance engineer.
"Resuming travel is contingent on safe weather and driving
conditions."
The oversized load and three others scheduled to follow are limited to travel
between 10 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.
Each load is expected to take four days to travel from Lewiston to the
Idaho/Montana border, unless delayed by inclement weather. The transport
schedule is:
- First night: From Lewiston to a pullout two miles west of Orofino
- Second night: From the pullout near Orofino to Kooskia
- Third night: From Kooskia to milepost 126.2
- Fourth night: From milepost 126.2 into Montana
Transports will stop
at designated pullouts along the 174-mile route to allow vehicles to safely
pass.
ConocoPhillips established a toll-free information line, updated daily at noon,
for reports on the shipment. The number is (866) 535-0138. Motorists also can
check ITD's Traveler Services website, 511.idaho.gov, or dial 511 for
information.