SR 110 is a four- to six-lane freeway (with the exception of one at-grade intersection and a few driveways) that parallels the Potomac River, providing a connection between several of Arlington's urban villages and major landmarks, including the Pentagon, which is the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, and the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery.

The highway also provides access to SR 27, an east–west freeway between the Pentagon and the cemetery, and the George Washington Parkway that parallels the Potomac River.

The state highway received its numerical designation in 1964 when maintenance responsibility was transferred to the Virginia Department of Transportation.

The southbound freeway has ramps to and from the Pentagon South Parking area, which serves as the main and visitor entrance to the Department of Defense headquarters.

[1][4] North of SR 27, the freeway passes between the Washington Metro's Blue Line on the east and the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery to the west.

SR 110 passes under US 50 with no access then has a northbound exit and southbound entrance for Wilson Boulevard, one of the main streets of Rosslyn.

At this time, the north end was reconfigured to accommodate the construction to the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge in 1964 over the Potomac River and the re-routing of Arlington Ridge Road.

As a result, the north end of SR 110 was shifted west toward the prior bridge that carried US 50 over Arlington Ridge Road.