The southern terminus of the highway is at an intersection with U.S. Route 31 (US 31) and SR 22 in Clanton.

The northern terminus of the highway is at an intersection with Shelby County Route 61 (CR 61) in Wilsonville.

It serves as a connector route between Clanton and Lay Lake, which lies along the Chilton–Shelby county line.

After leaving Clanton, the highway travels to the north through rural areas of farm and timberland, and travels through no major cities or towns.

Unlike most state routes in Alabama, the northern terminus of SR 145 is at a junction with a county road.