Marion Council has closed part of the coastal walkway at Hallett Cove due to safety concerns

Sections of the popular coastal walkway linking Hallett Cove and Marino have been closed until further notice due to safety concerns.

Part of the boardwalk linking Hallett Cove and Marino has been closed for repairs. Picture: Michelle Etheridge

Marion Council has been forced to close 2.5km of its coastal walkway between Marino and Hallett Cove, after an audit revealed it was unsafe.

The coastal walkway is an 8km stretch running from Marino Esplanade to Hallett Cove Headland Reserve.

The council has temporarily closed the sections from Murto Rd to the Cove Rd carpark and from Nungamoora St to Peera St.

This follows an engineering report that rated the safety risk as “high” because the boardwalk’s timber footings had been weakened by drainage problems.

The boardwalk was built more than 20 years ago, and parts of it are starting to wear out.

Marion city development manager Abby Dickson said further assessment was required to decide when the sections would reopen.

Part of the Hallett Cove boardwalk has been closed for repairs. Picture: Michelle Etheridge

“A report detailing the further assessment and repairs required is expected to be considered by (the) council in September. This will help decide when the section is reopened,” Ms Dickson said.

“The walkway is a popular local attraction and we are committed to reopening the sections as

quickly as we can.

“In the interests of public safety we need to close part of the walkway while we undertake the

repair work.

“We’ve set up diversions so people, where possible, can continue to enjoy the trail and the

spectacular coastal views.”