Among documents shown as exhibits in the contested-case hearing on Highway 12 megaloads today is a 2009 report from Mammoet Transportation, the hauler for Imperial Oil/ExxonMobil, provided to the Idaho Transportation Department, on the route for a "test validation module" that's currently traveling across the route to demonstrate the feasibility of the huge oversize transports on the twisting, scenic highway.

The "Validation Module Route Study & Execution Plan," in its preface, says, "The Snake River route will be a game changer for Alberta's oil sands developers. With access to the west coast, development schedules become more predictable and construction costs are sustainable based on global rates for materials and labor. Development of a 'high load' corridor from Lewiston, ID to Fort McMurray, AB will provide the states of Idaho and Montana an opportunity to participate in development of the oil sands. This proposed route execution strategy can provide a template for permanent route infrastructure development." You can read the preface here.