WATFORD CITY, N.D. (AP) -- Neither law enforcement officials nor energy company representatives expect big problems from the partial closure of a major north-south route in western North Dakota's Oil Patch.
Highway 85 has been reduced to one lane 14 miles south of Watford City because of damage to the Long X Bridge caused by a truck load that was too high. Repairs are expected to take about six weeks.
Highway Patrol Capt. Alan Billehus said that the biggest impact will be to wide loads since there is a 15-foot limit, though he says other motorists should expect delays.
Jeff Wirth, North Dakota operations manager for Hess Corp, says he doesn't expect the potential bottleneck at the bridge to have a big impact on oil business.
