Alamance Regional Medical Center is planning a $60 million expansion.

The Burlington Times News reports hospital officials filed a Certificate of Need late Tuesday with the state Department of Health and Human Services Division of Health Service Regulation.

According to a press release issued by ARMC Wednesday, a new 40,000 square-foot Cancer Center will be built at the end of the Medical Arts building.

The expansion project also includes a larger day surgery facility and emergency department. Nine updated operating rooms will be constructed to replace the current ones.

ARMC president and CEO John Currin said the plan is designed to meet the long-term healthcare needs of the community and accommodate patient volumes for the next 10 years.

According to hospital officials, the emergency department staff sees approximately 58,000 patients and by 2020 they expect to serve 70,000 patients per year.

The facilities plan will now go through a six month review process by the DHSR. If approved, construction could begin as early as next spring and is expected to be complete by early 2014.