The section of Highway 97C east of Merritt is an expressway ranging between 4 and 6 lanes, with a speed limit of 100 kilometres per hour (62 mph).

The section east of Aspen Grove is a freeway with a speed limit of 110 kilometres per hour (68 mph).

As of more recently, speed limits have been lowered in an effort to combat accidents along the highway.

Its highest altitude is the Pennask Summit, 1,728 m (5,669 ft) above sea level.

[4][5][6] Highway 97C was originally intended to have a freeway connection with the Coquihalla Highway approximately 30 km (19 mi) south of Merritt, near exit 256;[7] however due to protest by local residents in Merritt on the grounds that it would take tourists away from the area, the project was postponed and the freeway remains incomplete to this day.