KEAAU, Hawaii >> Many are eager for work to begin on widening a Big Island road but state officials say funding needs to be secured.

Hawaii Tribune-Herald reported Tuesday state transportation officials have not set a date for how long it will take to start on plans for turning the Keaau-Pahoa Road into a four-lane divided highway.

The project is estimated to cost between $140 million and $180 million and transportation officials say work is to be broken down into smaller phases of $20 million to $40 million.

Plans also include a bike path and a pedestrian walkway, along with traffic lights and roundabouts at major intersections.

Those who attended a public meeting on the proposed improvements asked if they could raise money themselves or if interim work could be done.