SLIPPERY ROCK — Borough council on Tuesday got its first glimpse at the Slippery Rock Volunteer Fire Company’s plans for new fire hall facilities.

John Galbo with Frank B. Taylor Engineering of New Castle said the project will have three phases.

The first phase will include a 5,300-square-foot building to house ambulances, an access road that will exit on New Castle Street and a paved area.

The second phase will include the construction of an 8,000-square-foot fire hall to house fire vehicles. This building will be accessed from Elm Street. The phase also would include the removal of the current fire building.

The third phase will include a 4,375-square-foot meeting hall and additional parking off Elm Street.

Galbo said there would be new signage on New Castle Street to indicate that emergency vehicles could be entering and exiting the facility, as well as telling drivers not to block the entrance.

Councilman Royce Lorentz asked about the possibility for a traffic light system, which would flash yellow normally and would light red when emergency vehicles exit, at the fire company’s exit onto New Castle Street.

Galbo said that the idea for the signage came from talking to the state Department of Transportation and the borough engineer.

Councilman Jerry Heller said it would be nice to see a traffic light at the building.

Mayor Ken Harris also said the blinking light might be a good idea, since traffic on New Castle Street often is backed up.

Heller asked how long it would take to complete construction.

Galbo said he did not know, and said the timeline probably relates to the availability of finances.

The fire company has been raising money for the new facilities for more than two years. Previously, the company said it expects the project to cost $3.5 million.

The current facilities include a main building built in 1978 and the “bingo hall” built in 1939. Fire officials said the facilities are out of date and cramped.

Council will vote on the land development application later, after further review.