A small crack in a parking garage beam at the Galleria Mall in White Plains caused authorities to shut down part of the structure Monday.

Albert Maroni, director of the White Plains Parking Department, said water caused the crack in the steel cable-reinforced beam on the second parking level. "If it was unchecked, it could have been disastrous," Maroni said. He reassured shoppers, "It's perfectly safe to drive through and park in."

Some mall patrons doubt the claim. "They should not let anybody here until this is completely fixed," Theresa Bonsanti, of the Bronx, said.

Crews were on the scene to jack up the beam, which distributes weight throughout the parking garage. Repair work on the concrete beam is expected to last up to three weeks. Officials said the work should not interfere with vehicle or foot traffic.

Sections directly above and below the beam were closed as a precaution after the crack was discovered.