The route is primarily rural, and uses two free ferries to cross the Neuse and Pamlico Rivers before reaching NC 92/NC 99 near Gaylord.

Many locals use this ferry to commute to and from the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in Havelock, which makes this particular crossing among the busiest in the state.

[5] In 2001, the routing between Aurora and the Pamlico River Ferry was adjusted related to expansion at the nearby PCS Phosphate site.

[6] NCDOT has identified the need to replace the current ferry service across the Pamlico River with a 4.36-mile (7.02 km) two-lane bridge.

The justification is to accommodate current existing and future commuter and commercial traffic growth related to the PCS Phosphate site.