DENVER — Police will restrict Federal Boulevard in west Denver to one lane in each direction for part of this weekend in response to an uptick in violence and other illegal activity in the area in recent weeks.
Federal between 6th Avenue and West Evans Avenue will be reduced to one lane in each direction starting in the early evening on Saturday until Sunday evening. The restrictions, police said, will allow first responders to move "in a proactive manner."
“The recent criminal behavior and violence along Federal Boulevard is hindering the rich history of the corridor,” Denver police Chief Paul Pazen said in a news release. “Those who live in the area should be able to do so without the fear of violence. Therefore, in addition to the traffic measures, there will be an increase of Denver police officers to ensure everyone’s safety.”
Police have said over the last two weeks that large gatherings along Federal have resulted in more illegal activity, including violence and a lack of social distancing among people who are gathering.
Over the weekend, seven people were shot near Federal and Alameda Avenue, and two of the victims, including a teenager, died. Two weekends ago, nine people were shot during a large family gathering in the 1400 block of West Byers. All of the victims survived.
