City crews came out in force Friday, with about half of their available workforce sweeping the streets and clearing debris from Wednesday’s massive hail and rainstorm at major intersections like Constitution and Fillmore.

The majority of the mess was gone Friday evening, said city Streets Department Operations Manager Bard Lauer.

“All arterials are drivable and safe, and we’ve responded to all of the calls that we received, even ones we got today. I’m not saying we swept every street or that every area on the side of the road is completely done, but it should be safe to drive anywhere in the city,” Lauer said.

For one crew, work began at 3:30 a.m., and others hit the streets as the sun rose.  The 35 workers and 32 pieces of equipment responded to calls from around the city including ones to clear debris from side streets and fix asphalt on Constitution Avenue.

Lauer explained that even with immediate work done, crews will continue to respond to calls. Over the weekend, however, less urgent issues will be postponed.

“We have people available 24/7. If we get calls in a safety related item, then we’ll probably still send people out this weekend,” Lauer said. Supervisors will evaluate problems and decide if they can wait or not.

Crews have been working hard over the past two days. On Thursday 65 people with 30 pieces of equipment worked to clear the hardest-hit areas. Lauer said that sweeping crews hit major streets as early as 3 a.m. Saturday to sweep up any dirt left between the lanes.

All that hard work earned praise.

“We’re celebrating and recognizing our great street crew,” said Laura Neumann, Chief of Staff for the city.

This weekend, labor begins for homeowners who waited until Saturday to clean up what the storm did to their yards. The city hopes to help them, too.

Neumann said the city has set up a central drop-off location for large debris that people may have left in their yards from storms Wednesday and Thursday.

Colorado Springs has set up a central drop-off location for large debris that people may have left in their yards from storms Wednesday and Thursday.

Waste Management will have two locations, one at 1010 Blaney Road, Colorado Springs, and the other at 8925 Rancho Colorado Boulevard, Fountain. They will be open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Waste Connections will have a drop-off zone at 10000 Squirrel Creek Road in Fountain open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Two companies, Waste Management and Waste Connections of Colorado, will be providing drop-off zones at discounted rates from June 11-15. Both will charge $20 flat for loads up to five cubic yards, city officials said in a news release. Those dropping off debris must bring a voucher with them to receive a discounted rate. Vouchers can be picked up from June 11 on from any Colorado Springs fire stations or police substations, the Fire Department Headquarters at 375 Printers Parkway, the Police Operations Center at 705 S. Nevada Avenue, City Hall at 107 N. Nevada Avenue or the City Administration Building at 30 S. Nevada Avenue whether you are a city or county resident.  Those picking up a voucher must show proof of residence, such as a driver’s license.

“It’s a very loose requirement — basically, we’re trying to prevent people from taking in their remodeling projects,” said Mary Scott, Senior Communications Specialist with the city. Damaged appliances and roofing material are not eligible for a discounted rate because they require special handling. To receive the discounted rate, debris must be secured with a tarp and clearly come from the storm.

El Paso County will announce any additional pick-up zones Monday.