Highway 97 closed to through traffic south of Merritt Reservoir SRA

Highway 97 north of Mullen, or 24 miles south of Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area, is closed to through traffic, effective immediately, according to the Hooker County Sheriff’s Office.

The wooden bridge across the North Loup River is compromised, and the Nebraska Department of Transportation has advised only local cars and pickups without trailers cross the bridge at 25 mph or slower. The closure will be strictly enforced.

Park visitors traveling from the south are advised to use Highway 83 from Thedford to Valentine and then south 26 miles on Highway 97 to Merritt Reservoir SRA.