Construction work was reported to be underway around Dam Square in Amsterdam. The Rokin was closed, while the Damstraat was difficult to pass because new gas pipes were being installed. The current work was expected to continue until early December, and further work around the Oude Hoogstraat and Oude Doelenstraat, near bridge 251, was scheduled to begin in January and last two years. Businesses in the area feared losing turnover and questioned whether they could survive the disruption.

Sandbags had been placed on Dam Square near the Krasnapolsky because of the work in the Damstraat. Arne Heuwekemeijer, the hotel's director, objected to their appearance and said there were more bags than had been agreed. Bookshop owner Bas Kok said the planned two-year disruption near his shop was a threat to its continued existence.