Base construction upsets the neighbors

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WDTN) - Safety improvements are underway around the Springfield National Guard Base.

It includes the closing of a mile long portion of Ohio Route 794 near the base to eliminate a double curve in the road.

Many residents who use the road aren't happy about the change.

"I don't like it because it's either going to make us go down to Lovers Lane or Possum Road or somewhere in there to go which is going to make the commute longer," said Jerrell Jackson, resident.

The county engineer says the closure is necessary to keep post 9/11 military standards.

"The base and the buildings don't meet the separation requirements that they set in themselves to keep then away from the public roadway," said Jonathan Burr, Clark County Engineer.

Springfield's Chamber of Commerce says the $2.9-million project stands to result in $95.2-million dollars in economic prosperity.

Construction should be complete sometime this fall.