The state highway runs 7.71 miles (12.41 km) from SR 6 in Tuckahoe north to U.S. Route 33 (US 33) in Glen Allen.

SR 157 passes through western Henrico County, a suburban area north and west of Richmond.

The state highway follows two-lane Pemberton Road north into the Henrico area of the county.

North of Nuckols Road, the state highway reduces to two lanes and gradually curves east into the Glen Allen area.

SR 157 passes through several curves and has a right-angle turn from the north to the east at Francistown Road before reaching its northern terminus at US 33 (Staples Mill Road) in Glen Allen.