This paper deals with the developments in the field of the measures taken during road works on motorways in the Netherlands during the last 6-7 years. In December 1995 the latest Guidelines for Measures during road works on Motorways were published and these were followed by a number of supplements. These guidelines have a greater focus than previously on the organization of a safe work place for the road worker who is responsible for installing the work zone and for the road worker working in the work zone. In addition to this there are further stringent preconditions for the safety of the road user and for the flow of traffic. The immediate reason for the preparation of these guidelines was the new technical developments, changing legislation and regulations, political involvement and number of serious accidents involving road workers.