Which direction is indicated by an even-numbered route?

The correct understanding of the direction indicated by an even-numbered route is that it typically runs east and west. In the U.S. highway numbering system, even-numbered routes are designed to facilitate east-west travel, while odd-numbered routes are usually oriented north-south.

In the context of the given options, "east and north" does not accurately reflect the standard directional implication of even-numbered routes, as they primarily align with east-west travel. Therefore, while the other answer choices refer to varied directional combinations, the nature of even-numbered routes is clearly established as east-west, making it essential to understand this fundamental aspect of road designation when navigating or analyzing maps.