BEATRICE, Neb. (AP) — Officials with Beatrice Community Hospital and Health Center have announced plans for an expansion that’s expected to cost $7.2 million.

The 15-month construction project revealed on Wednesday will begin this spring, adding more than 17,000 square feet of space to the hospital.

Hospital officials say the expansion allows for additional room for different departments, including the Women and Children’s Clinic, the Infusion Center and the Rehabilitation Services unit. It will also renovate the Physician Clinic and reconfigure the parking to decrease the walking distance for patients.

The hospital has selected Altus Architectural Studios of Omaha, Caspers Construction of Beatrice and Sampson Construction of Lincoln, to lead the project.