Story Published: Feb 16, 2011 at 8:47 AM PDT
Story Updated: Feb 16, 2011 at 8:58 AM PDT
Imperial Oil megaloads have been waiting since October for their turn to travel on U.S. 12 but now some of them are getting a detour.
Imperial Oil spokesperson Pius Rolheiser said it's part of an alternative transportation plan to help reduce costs and get equipment to their destination at the Kearl Oil Sands project in Alberta, Canada faster.
"...by reducing the size and the weight of the loads such that they can be transported on interstate highways," said Rolheiser.
The modified loads will still require over-limit permits, but Rolheiser said they won't be bigger than most of the large loads already on interstate roads.
"The load sizes will be comparable to equipment like wind turbine blades, electrical turbines, agricultural equipment or grain silos, pieces of equipment that are on highways every day," said Rolheiser.
Crews have already begun preparing to downsize the 33 loads currently at the port of Lewiston. But Rolheiser said the company is still working with both Idaho and Montana Departments of Transportation for travel along U.S. 12 as well.
"That remains our preferred option," said Rolheiser. "To transport the equipment for the Kearl project and we continue to work with regulators in both states, Idaho and Montana, to progress permits for future modules."
Monday ITD issued a permit for a test load, which Rolheiser said will help them determine the best way to navigate the windy river corridor.
"It's a specially manufactured module that represents the maximum size and weight of any of the modules that we have proposed to transport," said Rolheiser.
The test load is scheduled to leave the port next week. Rolheiser said there is not a timeline for when modified loads will hit the interstates.
