Originally meant to be connected and form a single continuous highway via a tunnel under the city centre (unused ramps were torn down at the western terminus of the Dufferin-Montmorency section in the late 2000s), these plans were shelved years ago and are not expected to be revived.

The roadway continues as Boulevard Charest into downtown Quebec, where A-440 traffic is directed along Rue Monseigneur-Gauvreau to reach the Autoroute Dufferin-Montmorency at its westernmost interchange (exit 21).

It begins at Côte de la Potasse, one block north of Route 175 (corner of Avenue Dufferin and Côte d'Abraham), and ends at the junction with A-40 in Beauport.

Lord Dufferin was a Governor General of Canada and had significant ties to Quebec City.

The entire route is located in Quebec City, Québec TE.