2/19/2011
ConocoPhillips oversized load waits in Kooskia, will travel again Sunday night
KOOSKIA - The oversized ConocoPhillips load making its way toward Montana on U.S. 12 will not embark on the next leg of the trip until Sunday night (Feb. 20). The delay will allow the crew to perform routine vehicle maintenance and also will give the crew some rest for the remainder of the 174-mile trip from Lewiston to Montana.
The load, which arrived in Kooskia this morning, is expected to leave Sunday night at 10 p.m. if weather allows, traveling east for 30 miles. From there it will require two more travel segments to arrive at the base of Lolo Pass, and the final night will be needed to travel up Lolo Pass and then nine miles into Montana.
The delay does not hinder the load's progression, as it safely traversed 34 miles overnight Friday, about 12 miles farther than expected. No traffic delays exceeding the allowed 15 minutes were reported on that segment.
Off-duty patrol officers from the Idaho State Police and Idaho Transportation Department crews accompanied the oversized load to ensure safe travel and minimize impacts on motorists. Emergency medical personnel and pilot vehicles also accompanied the load.
Emmert International is transporting the load to a ConocoPhillips refinery in Billings, Montana.
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.