It is a major route, connecting the coalfields of the Cumberland Plateau with Lexington and other cities in the Bluegrass region.

The segment from Whitesburg to KY 15 at Campton, which in turn connects to the Mountain Parkway near the town, is also the primary part of Corridor I of the Appalachian Development Highway System.

The current budget crisis and lowered revenues for state and federal construction projects may delay groundbreaking on that section for years.

The upgrade involved replacing several bridges and making large cuts to accommodate the widened roadway.

An access road was added to allow traffic to enter and exit at Bonnyman near the post office.