SHAWNEETOWN, IL (WFIE)- The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, says the KY 56/Illinois Route 13 Ohio River Bridge at Shawneetown is back open after a barge hit Thursday morning.

According to the US Coast Guard, the Motor Vessel H.B. Stewart was pushing 15 empty barges when it grazed a pier at 5:38 a.m., Thursday morning.

The impact with the second pier out from the Kentucky side of the river broke several cables holding the tow together.  The pilot reported only minor damage to the  barges.

Governor Pat Quinn today released a new report that forecasts continued major export growth for the Illinois coal industry due do the state’s large volumes of coal, competitive prices, and access to prime water and land transportation routes. Illinois coal output rose last year against the tide of shrinking U.S. production, as global demand for Illinois coal soared. Quinn's five-year-plan is to double exports by 2014.

“Illinois coal is in high demand overseas and we have the resources and infrastructure to take advantage of this opportunity for economic growth,” Governor Quinn said. The governor claims Illinois' rail lines and river ports provide the state with an export advantage over other states in the region.     

After peaking at 30.24' and creating moderate flooding conditions, the Wabash River in Mount Carmel continues to drop.

As of Wednesday morning, the Mount Carmel river guage is down to 28.7'.  That's still considered moderate flooding, but the trend is for water levels to continue to drop through next week.

Mount Carmel will see the Wabash drop to 24.8' by Saturday, which is considered minor flooding.  By next Wednesday, May 8th, the river is forecast to be below flood stage at 18.5'.