In Cleburne, SH 171 shares an overlap with State Highway 174 through the city.

After crossing U.S. Route 67 and the Chisholm Trail Parkway, the highway turns back in a more northwest direction towards Godley and Cresson.

The route was originally designated on August 3, 1932 along the portion between Hillsboro and Coolidge.

[5] On March 16, 1937, the section from Hubbard to Munger was cancelled due to a lateral project.

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