Some of the traffic lights in Hermitage are getting smarter.

Two new computer systems have been installed, one of which can adjust the times of traffic signals and might be an aid in crash investigations. The second should help emergency vehicles get to their destinations faster.

The close loop system controls the signals at Hermitage Road and the Shenango Valley Freeway, Hermitage Road and Glimcher Boulevard, Hermitage Road and East State Street, and the freeway and State, said Police Chief Edward Stanton.

PennDOT is conducting a study to determine traffic volume at certain times of the day, and the timing of the lights will be adjusted to improve flow when traffic is heaviest.

Police will be able to monitor a computer record of traffic flow from the station, although PennDOT sets the timing, officials said.

"You can change your timing and adjust your parameters if you notice traffic is heavier during certain times of the day," said Mike Semchee, production support engineer for Path Master Inc. of Twinsburg, Ohio, which distributes both computer systems.