The route's direct predecessor is Cebu Island's Highway 1 that existed during the 20th century.

The route then traverses the towns of Compostela and Liloan, where it veers away from the eastern coast of Cebu towards Consolacion and Mandaue.

At the latter's western terminus at the Fuente Osmeña Circle, the route then turns north and south, thus covering Osmeña Boulevard's section from the Cebu Provincial Capitol to Natalio Bacalso Avenue/P.

Del Rosario Street, where the route turns west at a junction with the latter and continues towards southern Cebu.

The route continues as Natalio Bacalso Avenue, traversing the southeastern coastal communities of Talisay, Minglanilla, Naga, San Fernando, Carcar (where the road continues around the Carcar City Circle), Sibonga, Argao, Dalaguete, Alcoy, Boljoon, Oslob, Santander, and Samboan.