Tennessee State Route 181
Encyclopedia
State Route 181 is a primary state highway running through Lake, Dyer, and Lauderdale counties in Tennessee
. This highway traverses very sparsely populated areas and is located entirely within the flood plains of the Mississippi River
, Obion River
and Forked Deer River
. SR 181 is constructed as a modern two-lane facility with paved shoulders and a 55 mi/h speed limit throughout its length. Prior to its designation as a state highway (and subsequent raising of the levee), it was a narrow gravel road. It is constructed atop the "Big Levee" in Dyer County and is used as a primary defense against floodwaters from the Mississippi River itself, however, floodwaters from the Obion River often back up on the eastern side of the levee. This highway doesn't pass through any municipalities or unincorporated communities. The area is a popular destination for fishermen and hunters.
and also carries a Tennessee Scenic Parkway designation. State maps show this highway as carrying both a primary and a secondary designation, however, in the field the entire route is signed as a primary state route.
Tennessee
Tennessee is a U.S. state located in the Southeastern United States. It has a population of 6,346,105, making it the nation's 17th-largest state by population, and covers , making it the 36th-largest by total land area...
. This highway traverses very sparsely populated areas and is located entirely within the flood plains of the Mississippi River
Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the largest river system in North America. Flowing entirely in the United States, this river rises in western Minnesota and meanders slowly southwards for to the Mississippi River Delta at the Gulf of Mexico. With its many tributaries, the Mississippi's watershed drains...
, Obion River
Obion River
The Obion River system is the primary surface water drainage system of northwestern Tennessee.The Obion has four major forks, the North Fork, Middle Fork, South Fork and Rutherford Fork . The confluences of these forks are only a few miles above the mouth of the Obion's discharge into the...
and Forked Deer River
Forked Deer River
The Forked Deer River system is the main drainage of the central portion of West Tennessee. Locals pronounce the first word of the river's name with two syllables, .The Forked Deer consists of various streams designated "Forked Deer" and their tributaries...
. SR 181 is constructed as a modern two-lane facility with paved shoulders and a 55 mi/h speed limit throughout its length. Prior to its designation as a state highway (and subsequent raising of the levee), it was a narrow gravel road. It is constructed atop the "Big Levee" in Dyer County and is used as a primary defense against floodwaters from the Mississippi River itself, however, floodwaters from the Obion River often back up on the eastern side of the levee. This highway doesn't pass through any municipalities or unincorporated communities. The area is a popular destination for fishermen and hunters.
Route description
The entire length of SR 181 is signed as the Great River RoadGreat River Road
The Great River Road is a collection of state, provincial, federal, and local roads which follow the course of the Mississippi River through ten states of the United States...
and also carries a Tennessee Scenic Parkway designation. State maps show this highway as carrying both a primary and a secondary designation, however, in the field the entire route is signed as a primary state route.