Pittsburgh Couple Trapped at Home After Street Plowed In

Residents say city snowplows have blocked them in, preventing them from leaving their home.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 9:15am

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A Pittsburgh couple living on Colewell Street in the city's Hill District neighborhood say they have been effectively trapped in their home after the street was plowed in, leaving them unable to leave. The residents claim the city's snowplows have created a barrier of snow that blocks their ability to drive out of their driveway or walk down the street.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the challenges some residents face during major winter storms, especially those living on smaller side streets that may not be prioritized for snow removal. It raises questions about the city's snow clearing operations and whether certain neighborhoods are disproportionately impacted.

The details

According to the couple, the street was plowed in on January 30th, leaving a large mound of snow blocking the entrance to their driveway and preventing them from being able to leave their home. They say they have called the city's snow removal hotline multiple times but have not received any assistance to clear the blockage.

  • The street was plowed in on January 30, 2026.

The players

Colewell Street residents

A couple living on Colewell Street in Pittsburgh's Hill District neighborhood who have been trapped in their home due to a snow blockage.

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What they’re saying

“We've called the city several times but no one has come to help clear the snow. We're effectively trapped in our own home.”

— Colewell Street resident

What’s next

The city has said it will send a crew to the neighborhood to assess the situation and assist with snow removal, but it's unclear when that will happen.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for cities to ensure equitable snow removal operations, especially in neighborhoods with smaller side streets, to prevent residents from becoming isolated during major winter storms.