November 14 - In the USA, the long-running saga over the movement of oversized loads for the Kearl Oil Sands project in north east Alberta, Canada, has taken its latest twist.
HLPFI understands that the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) has advised that it has received an application for and is preparing to issue permits for the transportation of approximately 300 oversize loads via Interstate 90 and 15.
The proposed loads have been reduced in size and meet all Interstate requirements for oversize loads, says the authority, adding that the loads are only approved for Interstate travel.The loads will enter the state of Montana on Interstate 90 in Mineral County and exit the state of Montana on Interstate 15 at the Port of Sweet Grass in Toole County. The owner of the cargo is Imperial Oil Resources Ventures Ltd and the prime transporter is Mammoet USA South Inc.
The revised transport plan eliminates Highway 12, the route preferred by Imperial Oil and Mammoet.
As we file this report, the transportation of these oversize loads is due to commence, and is expected to be completed at the end of March 2012.
