Later this year, PennDOT expects to award a contract to put up lights at Route 60 and Interstate 80, and at routes 60 and 18 in Shenango Township.

"We've been pushing for this for a long time," said Shenango supervisors chairman Larry Robinson. "It's a safety issue."

The intersections, which also will get more signs, are very dark at night and have been the scene of numerous accidents over the years, he said.

While PennDOT, which expects to award a contact in September, will absorb the cost of installation and maintenance for the 60/80 intersection, it wants Shenango Township to pay half the cost of ongoing maintenance, which would include new light bulbs and the electricity to work the lights, at 60 and 18.

PennDOT estimated the township cost at $2,500.

At a recent meeting about the project, Shenango officials discussed asking other Shenango Valley communities to pitch in for the annual cost.

Robinson cautioned that his board has not officially signed off on the lighting project -- he said he expects no opposition -- or the proposal to ask Hermitage, Farrell, Wheatland, West Middlesex and Sharon for a donation.

But, he said, much of the traffic that uses the intersections is not headed to Shenango.

Hermitage commissioners did not speak in opposition to chipping in at their meeting Wednesday, noting the heavy volume of traffic the city gets through the intersections.

"I think it's a worthwhile project for the whole valley," said City Manager Gary P. Hinkson.

Hinkson attended the meeting with PennDOT, but the other communities did not, Robinson said.