An expansion joint system for bridging an expansion joint gap between two spaced-apart, underlying building or roadway structures. The expansion joint system includes a cover plate, at least one swing arm, sliding bearings engaged with the swing arms, and fasteners for engaging the swing arms to the cover plate. The swing arms include a receiving well configured for receiving a mechanical fastener to fasten the swing arms to the cover plate. The expansion joint system permits movement in response to a seismic or thermal event that causes expansion or contraction of the gap between structural members while maintaining coverage of the gap, and following a seismic or thermal event, the maintains a substantially-centered position of the cover plate.