5 Shocking Truths About 6th And Kipling: The Denver Metro Intersection Of Power And Peril

The intersection of 6th and Kipling, situated in the heart of Lakewood, Colorado, is far more than just a high-traffic junction in the Denver metropolitan area. As of December 2025, this critical crossroads has become a focal point of local concern, frequently appearing in headlines for a grim reason: a disturbing number of severe and fatal car crashes. This high-volume area, where US Highway 6 (W 6th Avenue) meets Kipling Street, represents a stark duality: it is both a major nerve center for the United States government and one of the region’s most perilous traffic hotspots.

This deep dive explores the shocking reality behind "6th and Kipling," peeling back layers of its vital historical significance, its role as a massive federal hub, and the ongoing, urgent public safety crisis that defines its current reputation. Understanding this intersection means grasping the collision between historical power and modern-day peril that impacts thousands of commuters and residents daily.

The Dangerous Reality: A Hotspot for Recent Fatal Crashes

In recent months, the 6th and Kipling area has tragically solidified its reputation as a dangerous stretch of road, particularly along the complex network of its frontage roads. The sheer volume of traffic is staggering, with Kipling Street and West 6th Avenue seeing over 111,000 vehicles per day, creating a constant state of high risk.

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The severity of the problem was recently highlighted by a series of high-profile incidents. For instance, a devastating multi-vehicle crash occurred on a Saturday evening, involving a total of 19 people. This particular accident tragically resulted in a young man being ejected from his vehicle. Another fatal crash, which led to the arrest of a 20-year-old woman, took place in the early morning hours near the Kipling Street and West 6th Avenue North Frontage Road. These incidents are not isolated; they underscore a systemic issue of safety at a complex interchange where high-speed freeway traffic interacts with local street patterns.

The design of the West 6th Avenue Frontage Road, which runs parallel to the main highway, often contributes to confusion and high-speed maneuvers, making it a critical area of concern for the Lakewood Police Department and local residents. Community discussions and calls for action have focused on the need for increased enforcement and infrastructure improvements to mitigate the constant threat of serious accidents.

The Historical Powerhouse: The Legacy of the Denver Federal Center

The intense commercial and governmental activity at 6th and Kipling is rooted in a deep, powerful history. The intersection is the primary gateway to the massive Denver Federal Center (DFC), one of the most significant government compounds outside of Washington, D.C.

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From Ordnance to Government Hub: A Critical Transformation

The land occupied by the DFC was originally the site of the Denver Ordnance Plant, a crucial facility during World War II. Established to manufacture small-arms ammunition, the plant was a vital part of the war effort, initially operated by Remington Arms. After the war, the federal government retained a massive 623 to 690-acre portion of the site, which was then repurposed into the Denver Federal Center. This transformation cemented the area's role as a key administrative and operational center for the U.S. government.

Interestingly, the street itself has a historical footnote: Kipling Street was once known as Howell Avenue before being renamed.

A Nexus of Federal Agencies

Today, the Denver Federal Center houses over 25 different federal agencies in more than 90 buildings, making it an unparalleled cluster of government operations in the Western United States. The sheer number of entities and the importance of their work contribute significantly to the daily traffic volume and the strategic importance of the 6th and Kipling intersection. Key agencies and entities located within or managed from the DFC include:

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• General Services Administration (GSA)
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Department of Agriculture
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
• National Ice Core Laboratory
• Defense Civil Preparedness Agency (DCPA) (Historically housed in Building 710)
• U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) (A major presence)

The DFC's status as a National Register of Historic Places site further emphasizes its deep roots and enduring importance to the nation's infrastructure.

Community and Commerce: Life Around Kipling and 6th

The intersection of 6th and Kipling is not just a government or traffic corridor; it is a boundary and a hub for several vibrant Lakewood neighborhoods and commercial zones. This area is a critical nexus for local commerce, serving the thousands of federal employees and nearby residents.

The Eiber Neighborhood and Local Life

Directly adjacent to the DFC and the intersection is the historic Eiber neighborhood, often affectionately called "Eiberhood." This residential community is generally bounded by Colfax Avenue, Wadsworth Boulevard, 6th Avenue, and Oak Street. The proximity of Eiber to the major transportation corridors of US 6 and Kipling Street means that residents are directly impacted by the high traffic and the ongoing safety concerns.

The local community is actively engaged in improving the quality of life and safety in the area. Local neighborhood associations, including those in Eiber, are participating in discussions about potential improvements.

The Push for Traffic Safety Improvements

The constant stream of accidents has spurred local government and community members to explore traffic calming and safety solutions. Initiatives being discussed for the wider 6th Avenue corridor and its surrounding areas include:

• The development of a comprehensive walkability plan to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety.
• Implementing lower-cost traffic improvements, such as enhanced signage and road markings.
• Considering higher-cost infrastructure changes, such as new traffic signals or interchange redesigns, to better manage the flow of over 111,000 vehicles.
• Targeted safety improvements, such as those made to dangerous curves on the West 6th Avenue frontage road in the western part of Lakewood.

These efforts, often managed through collaboration between the City of Lakewood, Jefferson County, and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), aim to transform the intersection from a symbol of peril into a model of safe, efficient urban transit. The future of 6th and Kipling hinges on successfully balancing its role as a vital commercial and governmental gateway with the paramount need for community safety.

Conclusion: The Crossroads of History and Urgency

The intersection of 6th and Kipling is a uniquely complex location in the Denver Metro Area. It stands at the crossroads of American history, serving as the modern-day home to the Denver Federal Center, a legacy of the Denver Ordnance Plant. Simultaneously, it is a daily battleground for commuters, struggling with the high-speed, high-volume dangers that have led to multiple recent fatal crashes. The ongoing story of 6th and Kipling is a compelling narrative of a community—the Eiberhood and greater Lakewood—working to reclaim its streets and ensure that the critical infrastructure that defines the area also protects the people who live and work there. The coming years will be crucial in determining if safety improvements can finally tame this notorious, yet indispensable, junction.