If you're trying to make the shortcut from Granby to Schroeppel, Hinmansville Bridge is not the way. It's been shut down.

The State DOT said a truck hit the structure Thursday morning causing damage.

"It was about 4:30 in the morning. I was just getting to sleep. I heard a loud crash. It sounded like a rollup door because we get a lot of tractor trailers here. It's a very busy road," said Thomas Mills, Resident.

As of Friday afternoon, DOT has been unable to identify the driver. Residents in the community were stunned to see the damage as steel was completely ripped apart from both the top and sides of the bridge.

"It's definitely something surprising. It's a pretty sad thing. Hopefully it gets taken care of at least going back to saving it as an historical thing," said Mills.

DOT owns and maintains the bridge as it expands a portion of the Barge Canal. They say it will be closed for several weeks pending inspection.

"It's the only shortcut between Fulton and Phoenix, so you're talking instead of a half of mile across, now you've got six miles or more to get to the other round," said Mills.

While the bridge remains shut down, some residents say there is a little bit of a plus side to the closure.

"It does slow the traffic down. It is a busy area. In a way, I kind of like that," said Mills.

"Now the road's quiet and that's what I like," said Mills' son.

The DOT is assisting with road closures and detour plans.