The first southbound reassurance shield coming from Route 372 in Cromwell.

In Middletown, it continues north across the western part of the city, intersecting with Country Club Road, which leads to I-91 and several golf courses.

It soon crosses the Mattabessett River into the town of Cromwell, where it promptly ends 90 yards (82 m) later at an intersection with Route 372.

In 1960, the state took over the maintenance of the roads used by modern Route 217 but remained unsigned.

As part of the 1962 Route Reclassification Act, Jackson Hill road was turned over to the town.