Edith Butler Pier Boardwalk Renewal
Project Overview
The City of Holdfast Bay will be undertaking structural repairs to a section of the Edith Butler Pier Boardwalk from 28 January to April 2026. The works will include replacing the boardwalk surface, balustrades, and key structural components to ensure safety and longevity.
The walkway across the Patawalonga Lock will be temporarily closed for the first six weeks of construction, with clearly marked detours for pedestrians and cyclists.
FAQ
FAQ
Recent condition assessments found structural defects that reduce the boardwalk’s load capacity. Renewal is necessary to maintain safety and functionality.
The north-west portion of the boardwalk is being renewed.
Pedestrian access across the Patawalonga lock walkway must be temporarily closed for the first six weeks of construction, from 28 January 2026.
Our priority is to maintain public safety and minimise disruption.
Yes, the boardwalk is safe for pedestrian use. However, some areas are restricted from vehicle due to structural limitations. These areas are marked and monitored.
The boardwalk has three sections of different ages and conditions. The remaining sections are structurally sound, with adequate load limits and do not currently require renewal.
Hardwood timber for decking and balustrades to match the existing.
Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) for the structural components beneath the decking, offering strength, resistance to corrosion, longer asset lifespan, and minimal maintenance.
Yes. The renewed structure is being designed to support:
- Pedestrian crowd loads (5.0 kPa)
- Maintenance vehicles (up to 4.5 tonnes)
- Equipment such as boom lifts and stop log transport dollies
The project will begin on 28 January and is anticipated to be completed in April 2026.
The Patawalonga lock walkway is required to be temporarily closed for the first six weeks of construction, from 28 January 2026.
The project has been scheduled to be undertaken after the January school holidays and finish before the April school holidays.
The essential repairs could not begin until the State Government’s upgrade of the Patawalonga South Gates was completed in December 2025. To ensure delivery efficiency across both projects, the existing contractor will continue managing the site.
To minimise disruption during the peak summer season, the works have been rescheduled to start after the Summer School Holidays, commencing on 28 January 2026.
Yes. In June 2023, Council tested a section of the boardwalk and asked the community for feedback on different materials. This helped us see how each option looked and performed in real conditions over time.
We reviewed community feedback with technical advice to create a hybrid design that offers both strength and visual appeal. The design incorporated FRP (Fibreglass Reinforced Plastic) substructure for durability and safety, hardwood decking, and balustrade for aesthetics and coastal character. This approach balances performance and long-term value, ensuring the boardwalk remains safe, attractive, and sustainable for years to come.
These works will resolve previously identified safety issues. Due to the accelerated deterioration of the substructure, these works must be undertaken urgently and will commence immediately after the school holidays end on 26 January 2026. McMahon Services will begin construction on 28 January 2026. Estimated duration is 10 weeks. The expected walkway closure is approximately 6 weeks. We will work with the contractor to minimise this. Completion anticipated by April 2026. Concurrent delivery with the State Government’s project was not possible due to differing technical requirements.
McMahon Services Australia Pty Ltd has been engaged by the City of Holdfast Bay to deliver the construction works.
The contractor, McMahon Services, will utilise their existing site compound within Tarniwarra Reserve, North Esplanade, until April 2026. The site compound footprint is half the size of the existing compound utilised for the State Government’s Patawalonga South Gates upgrade project in 2024-25. The current fence alignment will be retained, except for the BBQ and bench area, which will be returned to public use.
The reserve will be restored to its original condition after the project.
Yes, the Patawalonga boat lock will remain operational during the boardwalk construction, unless otherwise advised.
Later in 2026, maintenance work will be undertaken on the boat lock. This work will require a temporary closure for boats and will be planned for the winter months to minimise disruption for boat owners. Further details on this maintenance program will be provided in the coming months, and Council will liaise closely with stakeholders and the community to ensure timely communication.
The contractor, McMahon Services, will utilise their existing site compound within Tarniwarra Reserve, North Esplanade, until April 2026. The site compound is half the size of the existing site compound during the State Government’s Patawalonga South Gates upgrade project in 2024-25. The current fence alignment will be retained, except for the BBQ and bench area, which will be returned to public use.
The reserve will be restored to its original condition after the project.
7am to 5pm Monday to Friday (excluding weekends and public holidays).
If work outside these hours is required, advanced notification will be provided.
Project updates will be shared here at www.yourholdfast.com/edith-butler
Click the “follow” button at the top of the project page to receive regular updates
You can also contact the City of Holdfast Bay directly on (08) 8229 9999 or via email at mail@holdfast.sa.gov.au.
Muni Krishna S.R.
Senior Project Manager
City of Holdfast Bay
8229 9999
mail@holdfast.sa.gov.au
We acknowledge the Kaurna people as the Traditional Custodians of the Adelaide region and respect their spiritual relationship and cultural beliefs that remain important to the Kaurna people today.
