The route principally connects the recent commercial developments of northern Florence south of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, as well as Turfway Park and northbound Interstate 71 (I-71) and I-75.

The route begins as Aero Parkway, and it was constructed in order to serve the developing commercial areas near the airport.

The road then enters the city of Florence proper, and after a very short jot, KY 717 splits to the southwest as Thoroughbred Boulevard.

The route continues a short distance before terminating at Dixie Highway (US 25, US 42, and US 127), Main Street, and Rose Avenue just north of downtown Florence.

[2] The route continued across the Kenton County line, crossing over I-275 and coming to present day KY 3076 (Dolwick Drive).