State lawmakers in Hartford are hoping to take one step closer to improving the state's roads and bridges.

A report by a national nonprofit transportation research group called TRIP examined the condition of Connecticut’s roads and bridges. The report says conditions are deteriorating and that the need for improvements far outweighs the amount of state and federal funding available.

The report says 78 percent of Connecticut’s major roads are in poor condition and that driving on the roads is costing Connecticut motorists $2.2 billion a year in extra vehicle repairs.

Eight percent of the state’s bridges are structurally deficient, and making improvements can boost the state's economy by creating jobs and increasing the flow of goods on our roads, according to the report.

Lawmakers agree something needs to be done sooner than later.

“The more this compounds, the more into sort of a crisis mode we have to continue to be, and that's not good for our competitive advantage as a state - really playing defense all the time,” says Rep. Chris Perone.

The report also addresses how roadway improvements can also reduce traffic congestion and save lives.