The highway progresses eastward from the state line as a two-lane rural highway through North Beaver Township as West Poland Road.

PA 317 crosses a dirt road and soon through some swamplands before entering the borough of Bessemer.

In Bessemer, the highway becomes the main thoroughfare, where it crosses through a large residential stretch until the intersection with First Covenant Road, where businesses follow the main street.

Just before the intersection with Smalls Ferry Road, PA 317 leaves Bessemer.

Continuing directly southwest, the surroundings mix and amidst a large residential area, PA 317 intersects with PA 551 (North Edinburg Road).