It runs through the southern half of Kumamoto prefecture, and the northern half of the Kagoshima prefecture.

The first section of the expressway was opened to traffic in 1988.

As of March 2007 the expressway incomplete in many areas.

After this, Most of the incomplete areas will be built according to the New Direct Control System, whereby the burden for construction costs will be shared by the national and local governments and no tolls will be collected.

The route parallels the Kagoshima Main Line of Kyushu Railway Company and National Route 3 for much of its length.