Historically, people traveled on or near this route for thousands of years from the coastal plain to reach the Galilee, and beyond it the Golan, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan (see Via Maris).

[citation needed] The road passes by many Arab villages and cities but few Jewish habitations in Nahal Iron.

[citation needed] The northern section of the highway, between Golani and Nahal Amud (nearby Kadarim) is a freeway.

It then passes by Afula Illit, and turns directly north until crossing Highway 77 at Golani Interchange.

The long term plans are for the entire highway to be converted to a freeway, including a new bypass section just north of Afula.