Official opening of $4.88m suspension bridge on Marion coastline announced

After years of delays and work, a $5m upgrade of the Hallett Cove Boardwalk will reopen this weekend – offering an incredible 8km coastal walk.

The official opening of the Hallett Cove Boardwalk bridge upgrade has been announced. Picture: Supplied

The hotly anticipated Hallett Cove Boardwalk is set to officially re-open this weekend after work on a suspension bridge was finally finished.

Residents looking to visit the southern suburbs coast will be able to walk along the newly repaired and extended boardwalk from Heron Way Reserve to the Field River Mouth.

The boardwalk replaced original stairs with a suspension bridge, which was designed to improve accessibility, and includes more lookout spots.

Hallett Cove Boardwalk bridge upgrade is opening on Saturday. Picture: Supplied

The bridge is also designed to prevent informal access to the area from “damaging the dunes”.

The project was part of the Marion Coastal Walkway projects, a collaboration between Marion council and former Liberal Government.

Under the $4.88m development, two bridges have been constructed across a 7.2km stretch throughout the Marion Coast Park, from Marino to the Hallett Headland Reserve at Hallett Cove.

The boardwalk forms part of the $4.88m development of the Marion Coast Park. Picture: Supplied

Construction on the second bridge, named Kurnabinna, started back in May.

In 2019, council endorsed a $4.88m coastal walkway plan to re-open the gullies and extend the walkway to Field River mouth.

However, the original design of the Kurnabinna Gully Bridge – part of Marion Council’s Marino Coastal Walkway – was criticised by councillors in December 2022 as having “no capacity for people to actually walk on”.

The Hallett Cove Boardwalk bridge upgrade is opening on Saturday. Picture: Supplied

Last year, a council spokesman said “external consultants made an error relating to engineering loads in late 2022” but the error was “immediately addressed” without any changes to the designs.

Social Services Minister and federal MP Amanda Rishworth said she was delighted to see the boardwalk reopen.

“In 2019, there was a very real possibility of the Hallett Cove Boardwalk could permanently close,” Ms Rishworth said.

“I was proud to lead a community campaign that collected more than 7000 signatures and had more than 200 people turn up to a community meeting to call on the previous state government to fund the boardwalk.

Federal MP Amanda Rishworth with about 200 people at a community event at Heron Way Reserve to fight for the boardwalk's upgrade and reopening.

“I am delighted to see, thanks to the communities shared voice calling for the investment, the Hallett Cove Boardwalk finally fully-reopen.”

Opposition leader David Speirs at the Hallett Cove Boardwalk bridge upgrade, which is opening on Saturday. Picture: Supplied

Opposition Leader David Speirs said his community has been patient during the upgrades, but the final result has been “worth the wait.”

“The Hallett Cove Boardwalk is a much-loved destination in my local community, providing a great opportunity to get active and enjoy incredible views of our coastline,” Mr Speirs said.

“It means around 30,000 people a year will now be able to walk the full length of the eight- kilometre walkway from Marino to Hallett Cove, allowing those of all ages to experience the stunning scenery and encouraging more outdoor recreation.

“The final result looks incredible, and I have no doubt it will be a must-visit destination for South Australians across the state.”

Originally published as Official opening of $4.88m suspension bridge on Marion coastline announced