Answer: DIRTROAD

A dirt road is a type of unpaved or unsealed roadway that is typically made of compacted earth, gravel, or other natural materials. It does not have a smooth, paved surface like a traditional asphalt or concrete road. The clue you provided, "where one might get into a rut," suggests that dirt roads are often bumpy and uneven, with the potential for vehicles to get stuck or trapped in grooves or depressions called ruts.

Note: The provided meaning of the answer is for the latest New York Times crossword puzzle clue: Passage that might be a mess after a rainstorm. Explanations are generated by AI and may be inaccurate.