It connects the port and village of Ringaskiddy to the N40 South Ring Road in Cork city.

North of Carrigaline, the route passes through the Shannonpark Roundabout and proceeds east through the village of Shanbally to Ringaskiddy.

Prior to the completion of the South Ring, the N28 formed the route from the Bandon Road interchange through the Kinsale Road interchange to where it leaves the N40.

Following the conclusion of a court challenge, the project was cleared to begin construction in 2021.

Many of the proposed exits are only able to be joined from southbound, but this could change after completion.