Salt Lake Temple Reopening Plans Include Road Closures, Millions in City Revenue
SALT LAKE CITY — As preparations ramp up for the highly anticipated reopening of the historic Salt Lake Temple in 2027, Salt Lake City officials are considering significant changes to traffic patterns around Temple Square. A proposal currently before the City Council would temporarily close several downtown road segments from April to October of that year to manage the expected influx of visitors.
The closures are intended to prioritize public safety and facilitate the movement of pedestrians, with estimates suggesting between 3 million and 5 million people could visit the temple during the six-month open house. The last time the temple was open to the public was in 1893.
Under the proposed ordinance, North Temple would be closed from 200 West to Main Street and West Temple would be closed from 200 North to South Temple. A portion of South Temple, between West Temple and Main Street, would also be affected. The city plans to use fencing and traffic control barricades to delineate the closed areas.
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall sent the proposed ordinance to the City Council on Thursday, January 29, 2026. A public hearing is scheduled for March 10, 2026, before the council votes on the matter.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will financially compensate the city for the road closures. The church will effectively lease the road segments for approximately $2 million, with the funds being “reinvested into the city,” according to Andrew Wittenberg, a spokesman for the Mayor’s Office. The church will also reimburse the city for any additional law enforcement costs associated with the event.
City officials anticipate the event will have a substantial positive impact on the downtown economy, potentially generating around $320 million in additional spending at local businesses and restaurants. Dee Brewer, director of the Salt Lake City Downtown Alliance, indicated the organization plans to support businesses during the event with hospitality kiosks, street activations, and entertainment options.
“Visitors are already the biggest audience sector in the downtown economy, and we expect this six-month event will increase total visitor days downtown by 20% in 2027,” Brewer told city leaders.
To further accommodate the anticipated crowds, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced last year that the Salt Lake Plaza Hotel, located west of Temple Square, would be demolished to create additional parking. The church is also exploring options for a shuttle service with park-and-ride facilities and is in discussions with the Utah Transit Authority about providing complimentary transit service to open house ticket holders.
The Salt Lake Temple has been undergoing a major renovation and seismic retrofit since late 2019. Scaffolding is currently being removed as the project nears completion. Church President Russell M. Nelson announced the six-month open house in 2027 before the temple’s rededication.
“Safety is our top priority,” said Candice Madsen, a spokeswoman for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “We are collaborating with the Salt Lake City Mayor’s Office, as well as city and state departments to develop comprehensive safety and security measures.”
