Built on viaducts and a causeway, the road will pass over the sea for around 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) and eventually link Saint-Denis to La Possession, replacing the current route du Littoral, which is too exposed to rockfalls from the cliff at the foot of which it is located and to heavy waves.

[4] This high cost has earnt the NRL the nickname of "the most expensive road in the world"[5] The project was the subject of an assessment by the Autorité environnementale in October 2011, endorsed by the Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development,[6] and was also assessed by the Conseil national de la protection de la nature (CNPN).

[11] In 2021, the incorrect installation of several hundred tetrapods caused additional delays[12] In mid-February 2022, the new president of the regional council Huguette Bello, announced that the La Possession to Grande Chaloupe section, originally planned as a causeway, was to be built as a viaduct similar to that of the Saint-Denis to Grande Chaloupe section.

The cyclone caused waves which partially submerged the existing causeway, requiring it to be closed and emergency repairs were needed prior to reopening.

[13] On 28 August 2022, the new road was partially opened, in one direction only, on the 8.7 kilometres (5.4 mi) between St Denis and La Grande Chaloupe.