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LUMBERTON, N.C. -- The public got its first chance to give input on the I-95 corridor project Tuesday night in Robeson County. A survey was recently completed for the project which proposes widening the interstate to as many as eight lanes in certain parts of North Carolina.

The project that comes with a $4.4 billion price tag so state officials are asking the feds for permission to charge tolls on I-95 to pay for the project.

"It's really the only feasible option we have to make these improvements in any kind of realistic time frame," said Kristine O'Connor, an NC DOT project manager.

The Department of Transportation feels the public hearings are an important element to the project.

"I don't think the study can be successful without hearing what the people have to say because these are the people who live here, who work here, who drive on 95 everyday," said O'Connor. "I just think that it's an important in fixing the road is knowing what the people want."

Six more hearings are scheduled throughout the state this month. The next one will take place Monday in Weldon.

The DOT will submit a final report to the Federal Highway Administration in May.