NC 157 does not directly parallel US 501, however, the two highways generally follow a similar alignment between Durham and Roxboro.

Much of the alignment of NC 157 were formerly secondary roads linking Durham, Caldwell, Hurdle Mills and Roxboro.

In April 1987, NC 157 was extended south along Guess Road from Caldwell to its modern-day southern terminus at I-85.

North of the interchange, the adjacent properties are primarily commercial businesses while several intersecting streets lead to residential neighborhoods.

As NC 157 continues north, it intersects Horton Road where several shopping centers and strip malls are located.

North of the intersection, NC 157 turns to the northwest and passes a Durham County Correctional Facility located to the east.

NC 157 continues for northwestward for one-half mile (0.80 km) before turning to the northeast and crossing the Eno River.

North of the Eno River, the surroundings become increasingly rural as the highway runs adjacent to many residential neighborhoods with forested areas.

NC 157 makes a turn to the northwest near Milton Road, an orientation it maintains until reaching Caldwell.

[1][4] After crossing into Orange County, NC 157 runs adjacent to the Little River Regional Park and Natural Area.

After crossing into Person County, NC 157 continues to follow a northwestward orientation until reaching Hurdle Mills.

As NC 157 approaches Roxboro, it runs adjacent to several residential neighborhoods located near the highway.

Southwest of Roxboro, the highway meets Wrenn Crumpton Road and Patterson Drive at a four-way stop intersection.

[1][4] The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) measures average daily traffic volumes along many of the roadways it maintains.