"[2] The route from Corpus Christi to Chapman Ranch was originally designated as a portion of SH 96 as early as 1933.

The route of SH 286 runs from FM 70 northward to I-37 in Dollywood in Nueces County.

[1] The southern terminus is located in rural Nueces County at FM 70 south of Corpus Christi.

As the freeway heads to the northeast, it has an interchange with SH 358 (South Padre Island Drive).

The freeway continues to the northeast from the interchange through downtown Corpus Christi.