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In Episode 222 of Anecdotally Speaking, listen to hear a story that exemplifies why adaptability is one of the most important attributes of longevity.

In Episode 222 of Anecdotally Speaking, Mark shares an interesting story about the Choluteca Bridge and how a well-built new bridge quickly became unfit for purpose.

Today’s story highlights the importance of adaptability in our fast-paced world and emphasises the need to expect the unexpected. In a business context, this story can be used to illustrate lessons in risk management or demonstrate the redundancy of outdated approaches.

Additionally, Mark and Shawn discuss the importance of keeping your story factual to maintain engagement and authenticity in storytelling.

For your story bank

Tags: Adaptability, Risk Management, Contrast, Change

This story starts at 0:27

Choluteca, a regional hub in Southern Honduras, is the only city in the country located on the Pan American Highway—a vast network of roads stretching 30,000 km along South America’s Pacific coast. For decades, the Choluteca River was crossed by an old bridge that eventually needed replacing. In response, a new, modern bridge was built between 1996 and 1998, specifically designed to withstand extreme weather, a frequent occurrence in Honduras.

The new Choluteca Bridge opened in 1998, just before Hurricane Mitch struck Honduras. Mitch was one of the most devastating hurricanes in history, dumping an astonishing 75 inches of rain in just four days. The storm caused widespread destruction, wiping out approximately 150 bridges across the country—except for the new Choluteca Bridge, which survived in nearly perfect condition.

However, while the bridge itself remained intact, the roads leading to and from it were completely destroyed, leaving no trace of their existence. Even more remarkably, the hurricane’s force altered the course of the Choluteca River, shifting it away from the bridge entirely. As a result, the bridge was left suspended over dry land, earning it the nickname “The Bridge to Nowhere.”

It took nearly a decade for the bridge to be reconnected to the highway and for a secondary bridge to be constructed over the river’s new path.