These highways are scattered over their "parent" routes, and have segments beginning and ending in several cities.

The exception is MS 178, which covers almost all of the old road (US 78 was relocated onto a new freeway alignment throughout the entire state).

The numbering generally increases from the east / north to the west / south within their respective areas.

They are signed with a blue shield and run loops connecting to the state's normal highways of the same number.

[1] Highways that are legislatively numbered between 701 and 994 run mostly along main streets and major roads through the state's towns and cities.

Mississippi Highway 5 is labeled, and signed into law since March 2, 1989, as a scenic route for its entirety.

It does however have the scenic route markers above the number shield throughout its length except for the intersection with US 72.