M4 turret secured in bid to stop robberies

THE current rejuvenation project of the Riverside Road node has brought new hope for the residents of uMgeni Park and ward councillor, Shaun Ryley. This comes after the City secured a turret on the Ellis Brown Viaduct along the M4 Ruth First Highway.

The move to enclose the turret has come following a number of robberies targeting cyclists and pedestrians on the well-used walkway. Criminals had been using the opening of the turret to make a quick escape into the Beachwood Mangroves below the freeway.

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“Two years ago the City acted by putting up a fence from the Beachwood Mangroves entrance up to the turret wall to stop the frequent robberies of cyclists and pedestrians. However, criminal incidents have persisted with suspects using the opening of the turret to escape over. When the fence was initially put in, there was definitely a positive impact but a few people had expressed reservations on the security risk around the turret.

“A lot of pressure from residents, the cycling community and myself has resulted in this closure of the turret. The City used a concrete polymer which is robust and not easily broken and I think this is going to have a positive impact. I’m extremely happy with the end product and I hope now this will lead to securing the route popular with cyclists and walkers,” he said.

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