[1][2][3][4] The entire Southern Bypass freeway was an e-toll highway (with open road tolling) from 3 December 2013[5] to 11 April 2024.

[6][7] From the west, the Southern Bypass begins at the Diepkloof Interchange, where it splits from the N1 freeway.

It ends at the Elands Interchange, where it merges with the N3 freeway to be cosigned with it on the N3 Eastern Bypass northwards.

The exits include the M1 Uncle Charlie's Interchange (north eastbound only), M17 Xavier Street, M7 Kliprivier Drive, M11 Comaro Road, R59 Reading Interchange, and R103/M31 Voortrekker Road (Alberton).

The freeway passes through a declared green belt area to the south of Johannesburg, which has prevented the construction of billboards along the roadside, a common practice in the city.