Route Description
Route 181 begins at a partial cloverleaf interchange with New Jersey Route 15 in Jefferson Township. Also present at the southern terminus and interchange is Espanong Road, which heads westward towards Lake Hopatcong. The route heads to the north, approaching another interchange, this time with Route 15 southbound only, where it turns to the northeast and heads into deeper into Jefferson Township. The route, which is moderately developed, runs along the easternmost shores of Lake Hopatcong, serving several marinas. The route crosses over the lake a short distance before intersecting with Prospect Point Road (Morris County Route 609). After this intersection, Route 181 crosses the Morris–Sussex county line and into the community of Sparta Township.
After crossing the county line, Route 181 is known locally as Woodport Road as it continues to the north. Past Lake Hopatcong, the highway is primarily surrounded by dense woodlands and very little development. Residential homes begin to follow the highway around the point where Route 15, the roadway to the east begins to parallel perpendicularly to the north. At an intersection with Blue Heron Drive, Route 181 approaches another interchange with Route 15. Shortly after the interchange, Route 181 turns to the northeast along Woodport Road and into downtown Sparta. At an intersection with East Mountain Road, the highay heads northward, where the commercial development begins. Past an intersection with Birch Tree Road, Route 181 turns eastward and northeastward, entering the Sparta Business District.
After passing a large commercial development, Route 181 intersects with Stanhope Road (Sussex County Route 605), a major highway in Sparta. The route turns northward at the intersection, intersecting with Mohawk Avenue (Sussex County Route 613). After the intersection, with Route 181 northbound makes a sudden spike to the east, north and west, turning off Woodport Road and onto Sparta Avenue. Route 181 Southbound heads along Woodport Avenue without the highway turn. The route continues through the development of Sparta, intersecting with County Route 517 (Sparta Avenue). Route 181 continues northward, heading out of the business district and into the undeveloped woodlands once again. After an intersection with Madison Drive, the highway turns to the northeast, paralleling Route 15 for another mile. Passing the Sky View Country Club, Route 181 turns northward, coming to a partial trumpet interchange, where the designation ends at Route 15.
Read more about this topic: New Jersey Route 181
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