Something Positive: Good News in History, January 30 | Why This Matters
Something Positive: Good News in History, January 30 | Why This Matters Why this story matters: Amid constant bad news, it’s important to highlight examples of progress that rarely make the front page. Quick summary: This story highlights recent developments related to this day in history, showing how constructive action can lead to meaningful results. 200 years ago today, a groundbreaking piece of civil engineering debuted– the massive Menai Bridge opened, cutting nine hours from the journey between Wales and London. A triumph for its designer and engineer Thomas Telford, it was the biggest suspension bridge in the world at the time. Sixteen huge chains held up 579 feet of deck, allowing 100 feet of clear space beneath for tall ships navigating the seaway underneath. (1826) Rhys Morgan Jones, CC license With a length of almost 6 football fields (520 meters), it spans the dangerous waters of the Menai Strait, connecting the island of Anglesey to the Wales mainland with what was the second ever-suspension bridge designed to carry vehicular traffic: in this cas…