Construction Continues; Demolition a Possibility

Here’s a look at the new bridge’s shared use path that will curve to meet the Westchester landing. Photos courtesy of the New York State Thruway Authority.

You may or may not be able to see where the path meets the landing (above). However, you can see one of the scenic overlooks near Rockland taking shape.

And here’s a river view of an overlook on the westbound span near Westchester.

If you enlarge the above photo, then you’ll see the section of the old bridge, whose faulty joint postponed the opening of the new bridge’s eastbound span, behind it.

An article dated Dec. 6, 2018, in The Wall Street Journal said, “Contractors are considering using explosives to bring down a damaged section of the old Tappan Zee Bridge in a controlled demolition, according to a federal official.”

I’d like to know what you think.

Copyright © Janie Rosman and Kaleidoscope Eyes 2018

Hanukkah symbolized in LED Lighting Display

The bridge was lit up for Hanukkah; the weather cast an eeriness across the stay cables in the above photo, courtesy of the New York State Thruway Authority. This year as others, I opened our electric menorah and began turning bulbs, one night at a time. Passersby and people glancing out of their windows could see our menorah and five lit candles through the blinds.

We first saw that lighting this time last year. I wonder what it will be like walking or bicycling across the shared use path at night with those lights ablaze.

I’d like to know what you think.

Copyright © Janie Rosman and Kaleidoscope Eyes 2018

TBT: Signs of the Changing Times and Bridges

Can a person be in two places at the same time?

Remember this sign? Haven’t seen a similar one on the new bridge yet.

Figured out this directs traffic when pointed in the other direction/ © J Rosman 2015

Wonder if there will be a similar arrow on the new spans.

Westbound on the Tappan Zee Bridge, circa July 2008/Courtesy of Ian C. Ligget

And above is the view I’ll miss the most . . .

I’d like to know what you think.

Copyright © Janie Rosman and Kaleidoscope Eyes 2018

Pieces of TZB Steel will be used in Arts Project

See how nicely I accented winter sunsets? Thought I’d be gone forever when the new bridge opened, didn’t you? Think again!

You have not seen the last of me because there’s another contest about me! It’s been a long time coming, too, after the bridge art show was ages ago.

“Remnant steel salvaged from the retired Tappan Zee Bridge” — that’s ME! — “will be made available to the two winning artists to incorporate into their sculptures.” (This is from a press release earlier in the week.) Which pieces of me will they be?

“These future sculptures will not only enhance the new twin-span crossing but provide residents and visitors opportunities to connect with the history, culture and spirit of the beautiful Hudson Valley,” Thruway Authority Executive Director Matthew J. Driscoll said.

History, culture and spirit of the beautiful Hudson Valley = Tappan Zee Bridge.

Anyway, here’s the plan.

ArtsWestchester, the Thruway Authority and the Arts Council of Rockland seek a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) that invites artists to submit their statements, work samples and a vision statement by January 11, 2019, via https://artswestchester.org/. Artists chosen will then be invited to submit their full proposals for the sculpture in early February.

I’d like to know what you think.

Copyright © Janie Rosman and Kaleidoscope Eyes 2018

Mom and Dad and Thanksgiving Day Thoughts

Mom’s been home three months; five years ago on this holiday, I called 911 to take dad to the closest hospital’s ER. I lost my dad three months later.

Some years his birthday fell on Thanksgiving Day. That year, it was two days prior.

Mom’s physical therapist has been working on leg and arm strength and standing; her goal is to ride across the new spans, which means safely transferring from a wheelchair to my car and back to the wheelchair.

More realistic and doable is a trip across the spans via ambulette and then wheeling her to the viewing area at Memorial Park (photo courtesy of New York State Thruway Authority). I’m aiming for next spring as it’s too chilly now.

She can’t wait. Neither can I!

I’d like to know what you think.

Copyright © Janie Rosman and Kaleidoscope Eyes 2018