2/19/2011
ConocoPhillips load travels farther than expected, reaches Kooskia Saturday morning
LEWISTON -- The oversized ConocoPhillips load traveling from Lewiston to Montana covered two segments of U.S. 12 rather than one as planned Friday night and this morning, safely reaching Kooskia at 4:05 a.m.
Emmert International, which is transporting the load to a ConocoPhillips refinery in Billings, Mont., successfully navigated several challenging curves between Orofino and Kooskia and experienced no incidents along the route.
The weather was partly cloudy and the roads were mostly dry, reported ITD's Dave Couch. Traffic along the route was light, and delays for motorists were held to 15 minutes or less.
"We are pleased with the way the transport took place Friday night and this morning," said ITD maintenance engineer Doral Hoff. "The changes Emmert made since moving the first load reduced delays and resulted in a very smooth process."
The first of four loads transported on the highway took longer than expected in several stretches because of tight curves. Friday night, Emmert put workers on the trailer and steered it independently of the trucks, enabling it to navigate the curves without complications or delays.
Crews left at 10 p.m. Friday night from a pullout about two miles west of Orofino. The load covered 34 miles, about 12 miles more than expected. That will reduce the anticipated time for the 174-mile trip across Idaho from seven to six days if weather and highway conditions remain favorable.
Off-duty patrol officers from the Idaho State Police and a crew from ITD are accompanying the oversized load to ensure safe travel and minimize impacts on motorists. Emergency medical personnel and pilot vehicles also travel with the load.
Weather permitting, it will leave Kooskia around 10 p.m. today and travel 30 miles (to milepost 103) by early Sunday morning. The overlegal permit requires travel between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
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 website, itd.idaho.gov, the state's traveler service website, 511.idaho.gov, or dial 5-1-1 for information.