The western terminus of the route is at KY 595 southeast of Cottonburg.

Just before it crosses Interstate 75 (I-75) at exit 87, KY 876 widens to four lanes and becomes the Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Bypass (Eastern Bypass).

Now in Richmond, the bypass turns to the east-southeast at KY 52 (Lancaster Avenue) before resuming an easterly progression at Boggs Lane.

Past Boggs, the route makes a slight northward arc to its eastern terminus at US 25 and US 421.

[citation needed] Prior to the construction of the Dr. Robert R. Martin By-Pass, an extension of the Eastern By-Pass around eastern and northern Richmond, KY 876 ended at KY 52 (East Main Street).