It runs just under one mile (1.6 km) as an extension of U.S. Route 130 (US 130) past its northern terminus at US 1 in North Brunswick Township.

Route 171 passes some retail businesses, the Van Liew Cemetery, and a residential neighborhood.

After an intersection with Nassau Street, the road passes Elmwood Cemetery.

Around the location where the center turn lane ends, state maintenance of Georges Road ends, therefore terminating the Route 171 designation, however the road continues into the city of New Brunswick.

With a small extension to the US 130 ramp to US 1 north at its southern end, the total length of the original route was 3.10 miles (4.99 km).