Contractors have made significant progress on Talladega Superspeedway's big dig.

A new, two-lane tunnel -- 208 feet long and 28 feet wide -- is being built under the under the track on the backstretch near Turn 3, and it will be finished in time for the track's Monster Energy NASCAR Cup race in April. Talladega officials gave media members a tour of the work today, and NASCAR legends Donnie Allison and Red Farmer also got an up-close look at the tunnel construction.

"Everybody is going to appreciate that tunnel, especially the truck drivers who bring those (NASCAR) cars in and out," said Red Farmer, a legendary member of the Alabama Gang. "They can load up and drive right out. It's going to be a blessing."

The bigger tunnel will allow two NASCAR haulers or two RVs to use the tunnel at the same time. It will also give fans another access point to what track president Grant Lynch called "the world's greatest infield."

The tunnel project, which currently has a huge trench slicing through the backstretch, is part of a $50 million renovation project at the track as part of its 50th anniversary. The tunnel and a new RV lot near the start-finish line are expected to be finished in time for April's race.

Construction of fan improvements, including construction of new garages and fan amenities near pit road, will begin on the Monday after the April race and be finished in time for the track's fall Cup race in October.

"We'll basically have a completely rebuilt facility," Lynch said.

Talladega Superspeedway will again host two Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series events in 2019 -- on April 28 and Oct. 13.

Allison called Talladega "the greatest place" and said the track improvements will make it even better for fans.

“Hopefully, we’ll get back here in April and we’ll have one hell of a race,” Allison said.