Update: are the repairs on the Boardwalk done?

09 Dec 2022

After months have rolled by with intermittent closures, it appeared that construction has been completed on the Morningstar Boardwalk by the beginning of 2023; the fences were removed but now have been returned.

Morningstar Boardwalk gate is closed again—File Photo: SRR

Morningstar Boardwalk gate is shown as closed intermittently—File Photo: SRR

Throughout 2021 and 2022, cyclists were met with closures on the boardwalk while crews performed repairs. According to a foreman, the anti-skate panels were lifted, old boards were replaced, and the panels were reinstated.

Chain link fencing was used to close the path—Photo: SRR

These repairs were much needed. Cyclists confirmed that the structure's condition had worsened and become unsafe. One cyclist said that he hit a buckled board due to flooding and almost lost control (but then, he may have been rolling through at an unsafe speed). Overall, park officials are focused on safety, thus prompting them to put up a chain-link fence.

Some riders have inquired about a detour when the boardwalk goes offline again. Ross said, "Unfortunately, we don’t have a good detour route for the period in which it will be under maintenance."

The boardwalk is a memorial to U.S. Army SSgt Christopher Morningstar who was killed by a roadside bomb in Al Husayniyah, Iraq on 5 Feb 2006.

A history of problems

When the trail first opened around 2010, the boardwalk was slippery when wet. Cyclists back then had to slow down and take it easy, especially on turns. Since then, anti-skid plates were installed; however, the screws have been known to work loose and puncture tires.

Taken 8 Sep 2021: Looking west from LBJ Park area, the Morningstar Boardwalk had settled, making it unsafe—Photo: SRR

Sep 2021: A reopened Morningstar Boardwalk with overgrowth cut away—Photo: SRR

Overhanging overgrowth creates a hazard on the Morningstar Boardwalk—Photo: SRR

Sep 2021: The boardwalk was re-opened; however, cyclists were greeted with overgrowth.

Taken 15 Jul 2021: Morningstar Boardwalk gate is closed, indicating that the boardwalk sustained damages—Photo: SRR

July 2021: The boardwalk was closed due to flood damages that included raised boards and partially collapsed segments on the LBJ Park end.

Board raised on boardwalk posing a hazard for unwary cyclists—Photo: SRR

Taken 11 Sep 2021: With invasive vegetation overgrowth, a damaged Morningstar Boardwalk threads its way under Nacogdoches Road—Photo: SRR

Due to safety concerns, a Meetup group ride leader will not schedule any rides across the boardwalk. He canvasses the trails ahead of scheduled rides to ensure that they are safe. Cyclists have previously reported that the boardwalk had settled down between Nacogdoches and where the boardwalk ends.

May 2018: A motorized vehicle operated by bug sprayers was too wide for the boardwalk. As a result, it caused damage to the baseboards, thus prompting officials to close it.

—SRR News Services