The route was formed in 1980 from a portion of Clarke County Road R35 and did not undergo any changes in alignment while it was designated.

CR R35 continued along the roadway to the north and west as Iowa 152 headed to the south-southeast.

Two-thirds mile (1.1 km) east of I-35, the highway curved to the south as it passed between farms.

Just one-fifth mile (0.32 km) from its eastern end, it curved back to the east and crossed the city limits into Osceola.

Pursuant to Section 306.8 of the Iowa Code, any time the a roadway is transferred from one jurisdiction to another, the highway either must be in good condition or the transferring agency must make a one-time payment to the accepting agencies for an amount which would pay for improvements to the road.