It follows the left side of the Rhine from the Dutch border at Kranenburg upstream to the French border near the city of Lauterbourg, where it connects to the French A35 autoroute.

The origins of the road can be traced back to Ancient Rome.

The strip from Osterath to Neuss has been downgraded due to the Bundesautobahn 57 running in parallel.

The part between Mainz and Worms is closed to transit truck traffic.

Previously, this road had been commonly used by drivers who wanted to avoid the tolls on the autobahns.