However, in the early 2000s, maintenance of the portion of SR 797 between US 22/US 40 and Zanesville Municipal Airport was transferred from state control to Muskingum County.

The short path of SR 797 existed entirely within Perry Township in the eastern half of Muskingum County.

The intersection of the routes was amidst a commercial strip that typically appears adjacent to a freeway interchange.

[4][5] When I-70 was completed around and to the east of Zanesville in 1965, SR 797 was extended a short distance north to end at the Interstate's exit 160.

[6][7] On April 3, 2003, SR 797 southeast of US 22/US 40 was removed from the state highway system, with jurisdiction being transferred to Muskingum County.