Spivey Marine & Harbor Service Co. v. State

OPINION

Patchett, J.

This is a tort claim which arises as a result of a towboat-drawbridge collision on the Des Plaines River in the vicinity of Joliet Harbor. This occurred on June 5, 1981, between 9:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. As the towboat, the Randy Spivey, approached the Jefferson Street drawbridge, the pilot signalled for the drawbridge to open. The evidence was contradictory as to whether the bridge had begun opening. The pilot of the Randy Spivey, Mr. Rolte, testified that he properly signalled for the bridge to open. He testified that after he saw no response to the first whistle, he blew…