Spanning 16.91 miles (27.21 km) through the north-central part of the state, it connects the town of Marland, Oklahoma to US-60/US-77/US-177 in the north to US-77 in the west.

Starting at US-77, the highway goes east for eight miles (13 km) until reaching Marland, where it turns northward.

Nine miles (14 km) later, after crossing from Noble County into Kay County, it ends at US-60/US-77/US-177 four miles (6.4 km) west of Ponca City.

[3] A historical marker to the ranch is located along the highway.

[3] On July 14, 1969, US-60/US-77/US-177 was realigned at SH-156's north end, necessitating a slight extension northward.