ConocoPhillips megaloads to move through Helena

Associated Press
March 16, 2011

HELENA, Mont. – Two huge loads of refinery equipment bound for Billings have crossed MacDonald Pass and are stopped west of Helena as crews assess the next stage of the trip, which skirts the capital city.

Emmert International spokesman Mark Hefty said their crew was making final plans Tuesday and is expected to begin the 13-mile route early today.

Helena is the second large city the caravan will go through. The procession met protests in Missoula, but no such obstructions are expected in Helena.

Each rig is hauling half a coke drum bound for the ConocoPhillips refinery in Billings. Crews expect the rigs to arrive there by the end of the month.

Emmert will then return to Lewiston for the next two megaloads – a second coke drum for the refinery.