The state highway runs 2.20 miles (3.54 km) from Dominion north to U.S. Route 50 (US 50)/US 301 in Chester.

The state highway passes through farmland and becomes lined with residences as it approaches an intersection with MD 18 (Main Street) in Chester.

MD 552 continues a short distance between shopping centers to its northern terminus at a right-in/right-out interchange with US 50/US 301 (Blue Star Memorial Highway) at exit 39B.

[3][4][5] MD 552 was extended north to connect with the ramps for exit 39B of US 50/US 301 when that highway was upgraded to a freeway around 1991.

The state highway runs from a right-in/right-out interchange with westbound US 50/US 301 at exit 39B north to Piney Creek Road, which is unsigned MD 18T west of the intersection to the signed mainline of MD 18.