Easton's Bible Dictionary: M. G. Easton, M.A., D.D.
A raised road for public use. Such roads were not found in Palestine; hence the force of the language used to describe the return of the captives and the advent of the Messiah (Isa. 11:16, 35:8, 40:3, 62:10) under the figure of the preparation of a grand thoroughfare for their march.
During their possession of Palestine the Romans constructed several important highways, as they did in all countries which they ruled.