In 2004, two options were in consideration for the Diablo Range crossing: the Pacheco Pass option and a direct tunnel between San Jose and Merced significantly north of the Pacheco Pass. A route through the Altamont Pass even further north was also considered. In July 2008 the Pacheco Pass option was selected. The reasons were that the Altamont alignment would require the track to split west of the pass to serve different parts of the Bay Area, would require a new crossing of the San Francisco Bay using a rehabilitated Dumbarton Rail Bridge or a new bridge or tunnel nearby, and would require more homes to be seized by eminent domain. The Pacheco alignment, however, would increase travel times between the Bay Area and points north of Merced, and passes through more environmentally sensitive areas.