The first section of the highway, which connected Las Tejerías to Valencia and spanned 100 km (62 mi), was put into service on 2 December 1957.

[2] In 1964, the Las Tejerías to Cortada de Maturín section of the highway, which includes the 400-meter Los Ocumitos Tunnel, was completed.

The following year, the final section of the highway, which connects Cortada de Maturín to Coche, a praish of Caracas, was completed.

[3] Travelling the full 155 km (96 mi) route takes 2 hours.

The highway plays a crucial role in Venezuela's transportation infrastructure, facilitating the movement of goods and people between some of the country's major industrial and commercial centers, such as Maracay which is known for its paper, textile, chemical, and food processing industries.