Partnership Aims to Protect Workers During Critical Infrastructure Rebuild

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina Labor Commissioner Luke Farley announced a safety partnership with AMES Construction on Tuesday to support the reconstruction of Interstate 40, a critical transportation corridor damaged by Hurricane Helene.

The agreement was formalized during an on-site ceremony at the I-40 reconstruction project, attended by state labor officials, AMES Construction leadership, and local officials focused on ensuring worker safety throughout the rebuilding process.

Prioritizing Worker Safety in Helene Recovery

“Hurricane Helene caused so much destruction across our state — to our homes, our infrastructure, and our communities,” Farley said. “We cannot allow lives to be lost in the rebuild. That’s why this safety partnership is so important.”

The collaboration between the North Carolina Department of Labor and AMES Construction emphasizes proactive safety measures, enhanced training programs, and ongoing communication among project stakeholders. The department’s Occupational Safety and Health Division will provide expertise in promoting and enforcing workplace safety standards during the reconstruction.

Restoring a Vital Transportation Corridor

Interstate 40 serves as a major commercial and transportation corridor across North Carolina. Officials say its restoration is essential for economic recovery and reconnecting communities affected by the hurricane.

“Rebuilding I-40 is about more than repairing a highway — it’s about restoring opportunity, resilience, and hope,” Farley said. “We’re proud to work with AMES Construction to make that happen safely.”

Moving Forward

The partnership aims to ensure worker safety while expediting the reconstruction of infrastructure damaged when Hurricane Helene struck the state.

Additional information about the North Carolina Department of Labor’s safety partnerships and workplace programs is available at www.labor.nc.gov.