ALAMANCE COUNTY, N.C. -- Alamance Regional Medical Center is planning a $60 million expansion that will nearly double its size. The hospital has officially filed a certificate of need for the project and is awaiting approval from the state.

Plans include a new cancer center and extensions to the emergency department and surgical facilities. Officials say the areas are currently operating at or beyond capacity.

"It places a strain on the facilities that we have and we want to be able to accommodate new technology," said John Currin, the president and CEO of the hospital. "We want to be able to plan for the future."

The state's review process is expected to last about six months but planning will continue. If approved, construction could begin as early as next spring and finish in 2014.