[1][2] Along with the MR7 and MR8 roads, it forms the "backbone of Swaziland's internal transport system.

The road passes through Hlane Royal National Park and through the capital of Mbabane, about 110 kilometres (68 mi) further to the southwest.

They claimed that the highway would cause no environmental damage, but now hundreds of antelope, wild boar, buffalo and other game are struck by vehicles each year.

[9] The road from Mbabane to Matsapha has been funded by the African Development Bank and the European Union, completed in 1999.

[1] The total cost of the project is estimated at ZAR 463.45 million and the Roads Department of the Eswatini Ministry of Public Works and Transport are responsible for the implementation of the project.