ELMHURST, IL – The cost estimate for the planned new train station in downtown Elmhurst has increased again, a city memo said Thursday.

The latest estimate is $47.3 million, up from the $44 million cost cited in January.

In mid-2020, officials estimated the cost of the Metra station at $25 million.

The new estimate was announced as part of a memo on the planned replacement of the police station. Aside from the utility work, the train station and the underground parking garage are the only other major projects in the city’s long-term plans, the memo said.

As costs for the station have increased, grants from the federal government and other agencies have also increased, now totaling $35.1 million.

That means Elmhurst will have to raise $12.2 million. According to the memo, the city would take on debt and pay back the money from a downtown tax increment financing (TIF) district.

At public meetings, officials have indicated some uncertainty about the station project as costs have risen. Late last year, the city said it could put out a request for proposals by June. Over the summer, the city indicated it planned to seek bids in December.

The station project is expected to include warming shelters, a pedestrian tunnel, platform reconstruction and surface parking improvements.

The current station is considered too small for its ridership, but is the fourth largest in the Metra system. It was built in the 1960s and modernized in the 1980s.

The latest estimate for the police station project is $48 million, including $2 million for relocation and temporary accommodation during construction.

Officials have explained why they believe the city needs to replace its police station.