Major SLC streets will close for months during LDS temple open house
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Some major thoroughfares in downtown Salt Lake City will close for six months next year to accommodate crowds for the open house at the renovated Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temple.
Why it matters: The closures, approved Tuesday by the City Council for March–October 2027, will mostly affect travel to and from Capitol Hill.
Zoom in: Full road closures will be on North Temple from Main Street to West Temple, and on West Temple from North Temple to South Temple.
- All eastbound lanes will close on North Temple from West Temple to 200 West.
- Individual lanes will close on adjacent blocks of South Temple and West Temple.
By the numbers: More than 20,000 visitors are expected downtown each day of the open house — the first time the faith's flagship temple will be open to the public since it was dedicated in 1893.
- The church is paying $2.3 million to lease the surrounding streets to manage the crowds.
Friction point: The streets around Temple Square are crucial access points for the neighborhood to the north, where eastern access is blocked by City Creek Canyon.
- 300 North — a two-lane road — will likely absorb most east-west traffic, funneling it to two already-busy areas: the Capitol or West High School.
- Trips to grocery stores and schools could be difficult, said Chris Wharton, who represents the area on the City Council.
- "I know what a huge ask this is," he said Tuesday.
Threat level: The closures also cut the most direct routes to the nearest hospital, Jake Seastrand, vice chair of the Capitol Hill Community Council, said at a hearing earlier this month.
- "North and South Temple are not just traffic routes," he said. "They are lifelines."