Its eastern terminus is at a T-intersection with U.S. Route 35 (US 35) approximately 0.25 miles (0.40 km) east of the village of Centerville.

There are no sections of SR 279 that are included as a part of the National Highway System (NHS).

The NHS is a network of highways identified as being most important for the economy, mobility and defense of the country.

Originally, the highway was routed along much its present easternmost segment, running from Oak Hill to Centerville, which at the time was known as Thurman.

[3][4] In 1939, SR 279 was extended west of Oak Hill along a previously un-numbered roadway into southwestern Jackson County to its present terminus at SR 139.