How Salt Damages Roads Salt that is used to melt slippery ice and snow also can damage roads. As salt is spread on roads, it mixes with the snow and melts. If a road is not sealed, the salty water seeps underneath. This may cause steel reinforcing bars to rust. The rust expands and pushes up surrounding concrete.
Steel bridges are particularly vulnerable to salt-induced rust and corrosion.
When snow and ice finally melt away, be sure to look for potholes in the roads. The big ones can cause damage to your vehicles' front suspension.