Idaho moves to regulate large shipments on Highway 12

LEWISTON – The Idaho Transportation Department is considering updating its rules governing “megaload” shipments.

The Lewiston Tribune reported that shipments of vastly oversized truck loads have been on hold along part of U.S. Highway 12 between Lewiston and the Idaho-Montana border. A federal judge in 2013 blocked the shipment of megaloads on that 100-mile stretch.

The issue was ignited in 2010 and 2011, when ConocoPhillips and ExxonMobil got permits to transport massive equipment modules from the Port of Lewiston to the Montana border. The route runs through the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest and the Lochsa/Middle Fork of the Clearwater Wild and Scenic River Corridor.

The transportation department’s proposed rule amendment says Highway 12 shipments would have to meet Forest Service criteria and follow other safety requirements.