NC DOT hears from public on I-95 expansion, tolls

The DOT held the first of four public hearings Monday in Smithfield. Others are scheduled for Tuesday in Wilson and next week in Lumberton and Weldon.

The state says nearly $4.5 billion in upgrades are needed along the entire 182 miles of I-95 from Virginia to South Carolina. The proposals include widening parts of the interstate, raising and rebuilding bridges, and repairing pavement to bring the roadway up to current interstate design standards.

Roberto Canales, the DOT's coordinator of strategic initiatives, says counties along I-95 would benefit the most from improvements.

"You can improve safety, you can improve travel efficiency and you can plan ahead for economic welfare and growth because a good-running road is more attractive to industry," he said.

But what state leaders see as an economic benefit, store owners say tolls would hurt business

Tolling I-95, they say, would put the greatest economic burden on them.

Ernie Brame, who owns Kenly 95 Petro, says he sees no advantages.

"My company has invested tens of millions dollars in our property to grow our business based upon a business model of a free and unencumbered interstate," he said.

In March, North Carolina Transportation Secretary Tony Tata said tolling roads couldn't be ruled out as a way to help pay for future transportation projects, but he wouldn't say whether tolling I-95 should be an option.