The avenue, which runs for nearly 2 kilometres (1.2 mi), made up the city's north-south axis, or the cardo maximus.

The northern third of the colonnade's stretch is marked by a monumental votive column that stood opposite the baths.

[2] The southern third, at around 1,500 metres (4,900 ft), is marked by the intersection with the city's main east-west axis, or the decumanus maximus.

[3] The colonnade passed through the center of the city and several important buildings were clustered around it, including the baths, the agora, the Temple of Tyche, the nymphaeum, the rotunda, the atrium church and the basilica.

A new drainage system was installed and covered by the street, which in turn was narrowed to 12 metres (39 ft) by adding a sidewalk on either side.