No word yet from ITD on the hearing officer's decision on the four ConocoPhillips megaloads proposed for U.S. Highway 12, but apparently the decision has gone against the company, and in favor of holding full contested case hearings. ConocoPhillips just issued this statement:

"We are disappointed by the recommendation from Hearing Officer Merlyn Clark regarding our shipment of four pieces of refinery equipment to Billings, Montana.  We do not believe the recommendation adequately accounts for the careful planning by ConocoPhillips, Emmert International, the ITD, and other state and local agencies.  We are well prepared to transport our refinery equipment from Lewiston to Billings safely, and in a way that protects roads and accommodates traffic flow. The recommendation also could delay an important part of our planned maintenance activities at the Billings refinery.  We will continue to pursue our options for shipping this equipment to Billings and plan to continue our 60-plus year tradition of providing a dependable supply of quality fuels to customers in Idaho, Montana and the rest of the Rocky Mountain region."