A two-week track- and switch-replacement project starting Sunday promises major headaches for MAX commuters.

The $2.5 million repair project will swap out deteriorating tracks and switches. In the long run, it's supposed to make the ride smoother and help avoid future delays.

For the next two weeks, though, it means crowded and infrequent trains - and a big gap in the middle of the system that will leave MAX riders dependent on shuttle buses. It will also mean detours for some drivers.

Here's your guide to getting around.

Don't take MAX

As during the MAX repair work conducted in May, TriMet will be running fewer trains. If the same number of people try to cram inside a smaller number of trains, the principles of geometry suggests an unpleasant ride.

May's MAX repairs went smoothly in part because many MAX riders found another way to commute.

Another option for some people is to shift work schedules to avoid the peak commuting hours, from 7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. Instead, ride an hour earlier or later, when trains are less crowded.

If you do take MAX

Most riders will need to plan for an extra 30 to 45 minutes during the commute.

Riders trying to pass through the Rose Quarter area will need to catch a shuttle bus between the Interstate/Rose Quarter MAX Station and the Lloyd Center/NE 11th Ave MAX Station. Fare isn't required on the shuttle bus, which will run every five minutes.

Although the two stops are within walking distance, TriMet recommends taking the shuttle. Sidewalks and crosswalks will be closed in the Rose Quarter area, which could make the trip more difficult.

TriMet's online TransitTracker and Trip Planner tools will account for the changed schedules.

To the airport

The Red Line to the airport will be split in two for the duration of the repair project.

Airport-bound passengers headed to the airport from the Lloyd Center or east can take the MAX to the Gateway Transit Center, where they can transfer to the Red Line.

Anyone headed for the airport from farther west can take the Red Line, which will head north along the usual Yellow Line route. There, they can catch a shuttle bus to the airport departing from the Kenton/N Denver Ave MAX Station every 15-20 minutes.

Traffic impacts

Bus: Many MAX riders will have a bus alternative. Use TriMet's trip planner to find it.

Bike: Check out our beginners guide to biking to work.

Drive: If you don't often drive to work, scout out your parking options in advance. If you work in downtown Portland, the sticker shock might remind you why you take transit in the first place.

Work from home: Certain workplaces are increasingly open to employees doing the job remotely -- particularly if the alternative is workers who arrive late and stressed out. Check with your employer.

Call for help

TriMet says it has extended the hours for its customer-service hotline, 503-238-RIDE, during the early days of the disruption. It will be staffed from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday and 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Monday.

The rest of the time, it's staffed during its usual hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays. Automated features are available even when the call center is closed.

-- Elliot Njus

enjus@oregonian.com

503-294-5034

@enjus

This post has been updated to reflect the following correction: TriMet's call center will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. Due to incorrect information from a source, this story originally reported incorrect hours.

Additionally, due to a reporting error, it included incorrect guidance for airport-bound riders. Those headed to the airport from west of the Lloyd District should take the Red Line and catch a shuttle bus at the Kenton/N Denver Ave MAX Station.