Today, I decided to cruise over the Tappan Zee Bridge to see just how bad the bump was from the plates and bolts that have been slowing the morning commute. Seems that nine raised steel plates, about 35 feet apart in the two right Westchester-bound lanes are causing the morning commute to stall as drivers swerve when they see the bumps in the road. The work is part of the state Thruway Authority’s $147 million project to replace the bridge’s road deck. The delays began last week, with drivers ending tagging an extra half-hour to their commute from the bump-shy commuters.

Now, maybe I was too prepared, even looking for the plates, maybe because I wasn’t in crowded rush hour conditions, but I was able to negotiate them. I could see, though, especially the first time that drivers may try to swerve out of the lane.

But there may be another reason I was relatively unfazed—I just returned last night from a five-day, 1,800-mile road trip with my sister, her kids and my kids. After all that driving, on the worn roads of I-80 through Pennsylvania to the downpours across Ohio, to the side roads around Indiana, it may take more than mere steel plates to shake me. Best part about the driving: Using my EZ Pass to pay I-Zoom tolls in Indiana. Who knew?? Worst part? The approximately $350 we spent on gas alone!

Oh, and if you happen to decide to drive 1,800 miles in five days, may I recommend visiting: Toledo Zoo (baby elephant!), Indiana Dune State Park (the sand ‘sings’ and Lake Michigan is huge.) Cedar Point in Sandusky OH (tons of roller coasters; much more exciting than driving the TZ, whether or not you’re dodging steel plates and portruding bolts.)

Roadwork ahead: As this major deck replacement job continues, let’s remember that the Tappan Zee Bridge-Interstate 287 Project Team is due to announce its preferred alternative for the public transportation mode for an overhaul of the 30-mile corridor. That decision also includes whether the 3-mile bridge would be rehabbed or replaced, or even given a “sister” bridge. The announcement was to come in May; then it was rescheduled to June. It’s July 1.

If you think those plates are adding bumps, just wait…