The southern terminus is near Louisville at an intersection with Nebraska Highway 50.

After five and a half miles, NE 31 comes to the entrance of Schramm Park State Recreation Area, after which, it turns north.

[1][3] NE 31 and US 6 continue north into Gretna, where the divided highway ends.

Two miles later, they separate at an intersection in which they also meet Nebraska Link 28B, which is West Dodge Road.

[1][3] NE 31 continues through Elkhorn, and then meets Nebraska Highway 64.