PTH 31 begins at the North Dakota border in Windygates, with the road continuing south into Maida and toward Langdon as North Dakota Highway 1 (ND 1).

The highway curves northward, leaving Windygates and traveling through rural farmland for a few kilometers, where it crosses PR 201, providing access to nearby Pembina Valley Provincial Park.

The section from Roblin to south of Benito was under construction; it opened in 1948.

[3] In 1954, the section of PTH 83 between the Trans-Canada Highway and Birtle was constructed and opened to traffic.

With this addition, PTH 83 was also extended to Swan River, replacing Highway 31.