St. Louis County, MO  (KTRS)  Residents in Valley Park are being allowed back into their homes after city leaders lifted a mandatory evacuation order.

City leaders lifted that order  Friday morning as flood waters receded from the Meramec River. Clean up begins now, especially with the removal of sandbags. Those who can volunteer with sandbag removal should report to 232 Vance Road in Valley Park at noon on Saturday.

The receding floodwaters from the Meramec River have also allowed MODOT to reopen Interstate 44. Both directions had been shut down from Highway 100 to Interstate 270 since earlier this week.

Meanwhile, West Alton residents remain under an evacuation order due to rising river levels.