Temporary Traffic Lights to Stay for Weeks Near Ketch Roundabout

Drivers heading between Kempsey and Worcester are being warned to expect ongoing delays, with temporary traffic lights set to remain in place near the Ketch roundabout for several weeks.

The lights, positioned on the busy A38 near one of the area’s main pinch points, are part of ongoing works and traffic management in the area but for many locals, they’ve quickly become a daily frustration. 

If you’ve driven that stretch recently, you’ll already know…

Queues building up.

Stop-start traffic.

And the classic “just one more set of lights” feeling.

The A38 and Ketch roundabout are already busy at the best of times, so adding temporary signals into the mix is always going to slow things down – particularly during school runs and rush hour.

The lights are in place to manage traffic safely while work continues in the area. Projects around the Ketch and surrounding routes have included improvements to road layouts, drainage, and infrastructure, which often require temporary controls like this to keep everything moving safely. 

If you regularly travel between Kempsey and Worcester, it’s worth planning ahead:

• Allow extra time for journeys
• Expect heavier traffic at peak hours
• Consider alternative routes if possible
• Be patient (easier said than done, we know…)

For many in Kempsey, this is just the latest chapter in the ongoing saga of traffic around the Ketch.

It’s one of those areas that always seems to be just about flowing… until it isn’t.

And once it backs up – everyone feels it.

We’ve already had a few messages about delays and near-misses with timing journeys.

If you’ve been caught in it, or found a clever shortcut, feel free to send it in – we’re always keen to hear how it’s affecting people locally.

Hang in there Kempsey…