However, some neighboring residents have expressed concerns about traffic around the site and lighting on the structure. The LDS Church discussed plans on traffic flow, precautions and crosswalks with the planning commission Thursday. According to the church's Web site, lds.org, temples are not designed to accommodate large numbers of people at any one time, so traffic flow is minimal. High, bright lights on the temple will be turned off from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., eliminating problems of light intensity at night.

Groundbreaking, an opening date and timetable for construction have not yet been announced, said Dale Bills, LDS Church spokesman.

In February 2005, the Draper City Council unanimously approved a zoning change that was necessary for temple construction. The original zoning ordinance prevented houses of worship from being built more than 90 feet high in residential areas. But the new ordinance does not restrict the height of steeples or spires.

LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley announced construction of a new south valley temple in the church's October 2004 General Conference. He said the new building was needed to relieve overcrowding at the Jordan River Temple, located at 10200 South and 1300 West.

The Draper Temple will be the third in Salt Lake Valley, along with the Jordan River and Salt Lake temples.

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E-mail: astowell@desnews.com