[2] In 2016, the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) measured about 410 vehicles travelling near US 82 and US 278 on average each day.

The route begins travelling westward until it reaches a graded road, where it turns northwest.

After travelling westward shortly, AR 142 turns north at Robert Mazzanti Road.

[4] AR 142 was designated in 1931, along a gravel road starting from US 61 southeast of Lake Village, to a point west of the Mississippi River.

[8][9] In 1952, AR 142 was connected to a county road that extended to Grand Lake,[10][11] which was removed eight years later.