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Traffic backs up on northbound Interstate 5 at Carty Road in Clark County north of Vancouver.

(Washington State Department of Transportation)

UPDATE: Ilani Casino opens its doors, attracting thousands

The opening of the Ilani Casino near La Center clogged northbound Interstate 5 for as far as eight miles Monday morning, and cars were turned away after the casino's parking lots reached capacity.

The Washington State Department of Transportation said the casino's lots were full, causing the backup to spill onto the highway. The casino has said it could accommodate 3,000 vehicles.

Traffic backed up nearly to the junction of interstates 5 and 205 north of Vancouver.

"We're working with the operators to try to mitigate any residual effects on the freeway," said transportation department spokesman Bart Treece. "We're going to continue to work with them to see what can be done to avoid these kinds of issues."

He added that the department doesn't expect to see backups like Monday's during the casino's normal operations.

We're seeing an 8 mile back up on NB I-5 near La Center. Expect long delays in the area or consider delaying travel. pic.twitter.com/OoWNNC6j20 — WSDOT - Southwest (@wsdot_sw) April 24, 2017

The Cowlitz Indian Tribe's casino opened Monday after a years-long effort. The $510 million complex 16 miles north of the Interstate Bridge is the closest major gambling venue for many Portland-area residents.

-- Elliot Njus

enjus@oregonian.com

503-294-5034

@enjus