The existence of dense rainforest, and the need for frequent river crossings, present huge challenges to road engineers.

The DR Congo advises that the track from Zongo (across the river from Bangui) via Gemena, Lisala and Bumba to Buta is a higher priority for rehabilitation, and would recommend that alternative.

In eastern DR Congo, the route goes from Kisangani to the Ugandan border post at Mpondwe, via Komanda and Beni.

From Bukavu a paved highway reaches Kigali (Rwanda) and connects to the existing route at Mbarara in Uganda.

Since transport across the DR Congo is severely limited, the eastern section is also the principal road trade route for the central-eastern and north-eastern part of that country.