Megaload scheduled to continue journey to Montana tonight

March 11, 2011

March 6, 2011

POWELL – An oversized ConocoPhillips load en route to Montana on U.S. Highway 12 safely reached milepost 169 late Friday, according to the Idaho Transportation Department.

The equipment transport left milepost 160.1 on Friday at 10:07 p.m. It pulled off of U.S. 12 at 11:18 p.m. Friday, the agency said.

The half drum intended for an oil refinery in Billings, Mont., is scheduled to move again this evening. Weather permitting, it should make it into Montana. A move was not scheduled for Saturday night.

Off-duty patrol officers from the Idaho State Police and crews from the Idaho Transportation Department accompanied the load to ensure safe travel and minimize effects on motorists. Emergency medical personnel and pilot vehicles also accompanied the load.

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.