Established in 1975 as a new primary route, it went from the North Carolina Zoological Park to US 64/NC 49 in Asheboro.

In 1977, its southern terminus was moved to connect to US 220, creating an NC 159 Spur to the park.

Construction on the new US 64 By-Pass began in 2016 and was completed in 2020, with the spur extension to begin at a later date.

The new connector will alleviate traffic for those going to-and-from the North Carolina Zoological Park.

Its purpose is to connect the North Carolina Zoological Park with mainline NC 159.