[1] The highway has developed in several distinct sections: The US Army Corps of Engineers began work on the Stephenville bypass road in the 1950s.

Gomez, which had commenced construction near Cormiers Village and were working in both directions, towards Long Gull Pond and towards Stephenville.

It was necessary for Company B to begin construction of the road at Cormiers Village and work back towards Stephenville pending the finalizing of property agreements.

The road was then extended along the Newfoundland Railway main line from Long Gull Pond to Stephenville Crossing (this section is now the eastern terminus of Route 461.

The travel surface required 15,000 cubic yards (10,000 m³) of gravel, 19 inches thick before asphalt was applied.