The "Tunnel Turn" at Pocono Raceway is about to get a much-needed facelift.

At a press conference Friday at the 2.5-mile facility in Long Pond, Gov. Tom Corbett announced he is giving a $1 million Economic Growth Initiative grant to Pocono Raceway to renovate and improve the infield access tunnels into and out of the track.

"We're rebuilding the entire entryway," Pocono Raceway president and CEO Brandon Igdalsky said. "The tunnels have been in place for 50 years and they need refreshing. This (project) will shore up the tunnels for the next 50 years."

Currently, the tunnels are nothing more than concrete and guard rails.

Igdalsky said the renovated tunnels will reflect the area's geography and include trees, a waterfall and a pond. He said when you drive through it, "you'll feel like you're driving through a cave."

Also, a pedestrian walkway will be added, marking the first time fans will be allowed to walk into and out of the tunnels.

"We're dressing up our front door, tweaking our curb appeal," Igdalsky said. "That is the main entry to the track, the one that is used the most.

Every event we have, the majority of people come through that entrance."

Gov. Corbett said in a press release that giving the grant to Pocono Raceway will help the track continue to be a major tourism attraction in the state.

"This investment will ensure the safety of event spectators as well as maintain the viability of this worldwide destination," Corbett said.

The portion of the race track that passes above the tunnels will not be affected by the renovation, Igdalsky said.

Work on the tunnels is expected to begin next week. The project will be completed in time for Pocono to host its major 2015 events.

June 5-7 is the Pocono 400 weekend featuring the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and ARCA Series. July 31-Aug. 2 is the Pennsylvania 400 weekend that includes the Sprint Cup, ARCA and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

Pocono is also scheduled to host an IndyCar Series race. Sagging ticket sales for this year's Pocono IndyCar 500 Fueled by Sunoco during the

July 4 weekend caused the track to consider opting out of the final year of its three-year deal in 2015. Igdalsky said he hopes an announcement on if or when the race will be held is coming soon.

Contact the writer: swalsh@timesshamrock.com

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