local road; non-highway road; toll-free road
Refers to ordinary roads that are not expressways or toll roads. Often used in contrast with 高速道路 (expressway).
It's cheaper to take local roads instead of the expressway.
The local roads are congested ahead, so let's get on the expressway.
road shaded by trees or mountains
Describes a road that is shadowed or darkened by overhanging trees, mountains, or other natural features. Less common than sense 1.
The road shadowed by the mountains is dim even during the day.
Compound of 下 (shita, 'below' or 'lower') and 道 (michi, 'road'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain; the spelling is conventionally associated with the meanings 'local road' and 'shaded road'.