Salt Lake Temple renovation advances with major seismic upgrades completed

The renovation of the Salt Lake Temple has reached a significant milestone with the completion of vertical coring. This extensive three-year project involved drilling 46 holes through the temple's granite-like stone walls, from each corner of its six towers to the new upper foundations.

The process used hollow, diamond-edged drill bits attached to five-foot-long rods, forming drill strings that maintained precision within three-eighths of an inch over an average depth of 150 feet. The operation resulted in more than two and a half miles of stone cores being cut.

These drilled holes now house post-tension cables as part of the temple’s seismic upgrade base isolation system. These steel cables are linked to reinforced structures in the towers and roof, passing through exterior walls and connecting to the new foundation. They are tightened to half a million pounds to ensure earthquake resilience.

Seismic work is expected to continue into the first quarter, focusing on tensioning seismic systems within the historic temple. Completion of most underground reinforced concrete structures for additions around the sacred site is also anticipated this quarter.

Visitors can view a new statue installed on Temple Square called "Come, Follow Me," located north of the Tabernacle. Created by Ben Hammond, it depicts Christ calling His disciples from their fishing pursuits. More sculptures illustrating Jesus Christ's life and teachings will be added throughout 2025 and 2026.

Finish work progresses in several areas including baptistries, celestial rooms, sealing rooms, and other sections in an expanded north addition totaling an extra 100,000 square feet. The temple will feature two baptistries instead of one and expand from 13 to 22 sealing rooms.

Stone cladding work continues at the west entry pavilion on North Temple Street while much of Temple Square remains open for public viewing of construction progress from nearby locations such as Main Street Plaza and Conference Center.

For further details about building hours or visiting information, patrons are encouraged to visit TempleSquare.org.