Boston Sidewalks Blocked Off After Dangerous Ice Chunks Fall From Buildings

Icy conditions create hazards for pedestrians in the city's South End neighborhood.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 6:39pm

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Extreme winter weather in Boston has led to dangerous icy conditions, with long icicles falling from buildings and causing hazards for pedestrians on the snow-covered sidewalks. The city has blocked off some areas where large ice chunks have fallen, but residents say the problem is widespread and the city has been slow to address it.

Why it matters

The ice falling from buildings poses a serious safety risk to Boston residents, especially the elderly and those with mobility issues who rely on the sidewalks. The city's response to the issue has also raised questions about who is responsible for maintaining building exteriors and clearing ice hazards from public walkways.

The details

In the South End neighborhood, the iconic brownstone buildings have become a source of dangerous icicles and falling ice chunks. The city has placed caution tape in some areas where big ice pieces have fallen, but residents say the problem is widespread, with ice also accumulating on stairs and other walkways. One neighbor reported slipping and falling while taking out the trash due to the icy conditions. The city has not yet responded to inquiries about who is responsible for clearing the ice hazards.

  • The extreme winter weather that has led to the icy conditions in Boston has been ongoing for the past week.
  • Residents have been reporting ice hazards to the city's 311 system for several days.

The players

Suzanna Walters

A Boston resident who was walking her dog and trying to avoid the falling ice chunks.

Gabe Aranovic

A Milford Street neighbor who is concerned about the ice hazards, especially for older residents.

Park Street School

A school in Boston's South End where neighbors reported the district failed to remove icicles from the building, though they did place falling ice signs.

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What they’re saying

“I just keep looking up and trying to avoid it.”

— Suzanna Walters (cbsnews.com)

“Yeah, it's tricky. It's precarious absolutely. With these sidewalks as they are it is already sort of perilous. I am pretty concerned, especially about older folks.”

— Gabe Aranovic, Milford Street Neighbor (cbsnews.com)

“There's ice on our stairs. We did our best to clear it. I actually slipped and fell taking out the trash yesterday.”

— Gabe Aranovic, Milford Street Neighbor (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The city has yet to respond to inquiries about who is responsible for clearing the ice hazards, and it remains unclear what steps they plan to take to address the dangerous conditions on Boston's sidewalks.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of proactive maintenance and snow/ice removal to ensure public safety, especially in cities with harsh winter weather. It also raises questions about the division of responsibility between private building owners and the city when it comes to clearing hazards from public walkways.