Wake County's largest hospital has won approval from state regulators to expand its rehabilitation facility.

The $2.4 million project will allow WakeMed to renovate existing space and add 14 rehab beds at its flagship campus in Raleigh. That will give WakeMed 98 rehab beds, allowing it to treat more patients and provide more specialized care.

Rehab services include helping patients recover after a stroke, traumatic injury or major surgery. Demand is surging, driven by this region's growing and aging population.

State regulators this week approved WakeMed's proposal and rejected bids from Duke Raleigh Hospital, UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill and Johnston Memorial Hospital in Smithfield. At least one of those rival hospitals are likely to appeal, and a legal fight could at least delay when WakeMed starts its project.