(UNIVERSITY CITY, Mo., AP) — The Loop Trolley project in the St. Louis area is now expected to cost about $51 million, $8 million more than the original estimate.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch (http://bit.ly/1H0ciBu ) reports that the increase is due, in part, to street paving and landscaping costs.

Critics contend the cost of the 2.2-mile trolley line is too high. Some business owners say traffic problems caused by construction are hurting them.

But supporters say the trolley will be a boon for business as it brings in additional visitors to an already popular area.

The trolley will run from the Delmar Loop in University City to Forest Park in St. Louis.

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Information from: St. Louis Post-Dispatch, http://www.stltoday.com