Between the stream valleys and north of Eshtaol the road rises and falls as it crosses the many east–west ridges.

From biblical times the road is mentioned in 1 Samuel 6:12 as the route taken by the Philistines returning the Ark of the Covenant to the Israelites in Beth-Shemesh.

During the Roman period, the road was an important route as evidenced by milestones found near Givat Yeshayahu as part of the road from Ashkelon via Highway 35 to Beit Guvrin, northward along Highway 38, then westward via the Elah Valley to Jerusalem.

The approval was made through the special "Housing Cabinet" since the road's expansion is a condition for plans to build an additional apartments and homes in Beit Shemesh.

A wildlife bridge was built near Mesilat Zion and the road was raised to overpass the railway tracks at Beit Shemesh.