SALISBURYó The N.C. Department of Labor and Flatiron-Lane have teamed up to prevent construction workers from getting injured while working on the Yadkin River Bridge improvement project. Officials with the Labor Department and the companies signed a safety partnership agreement on Tuesday.
The partnership aims to combine the resources of the private and public sectors to proactively handle safety and health issues associated with the hazardous nature of construction work.
ěThis partnership will merge our resources and maximize our efforts to prevent workplace injuries and fatalities during the construction phase of this massive project,î N.C. Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry said. ěKeeping our workers safe is our number one priority.î
The project involves the reconstruction of a deteriorating 55-year old segment of I-85 over the Yadkin River near Salisbury. Flatiron Construction Corp. and Lane Construction Corp. have formed the joint venture to complete this project. The Interstate is the most direct route between Atlanta and Richmond and carries more than 80,000 vehicles per day. The project will relieve significant highway bottlenecks in the area, bolster economic development and improve roadway safety.
ěThis is a huge economic boon for the region,î Commissioner Berry said.
ěIt is refreshing to hear from the government that they are here to help and actually mean it,î said George Hassfurter, regional manager for Lane Construction Corp. ěI applaud the arrangement and do not want to see anyone get hurt. We want to provide a safe place to work. We appreciate the stateís help and we will take what we learn hear and apply it to other sites.î
The partnership agreement covers the construction of the Yadkin River Bridge for the duration of the time that Flatiron-Lane has control of the site. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2013.