The merger would create the United States’ first coast-to-coast rail network, spanning 50,000 miles and 43 states.

Combining Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern into the first transcontinental railroad in the U.S. would create a 52,215-mile colossus that could offer seamless service from coast to coast, bypassing longtime interchange choke points in Chicago and at gateways along the Mississippi River.

The Union Pacific/Norfolk Southern merger could create the first modern true transcontinental railroad. Click here to read an analysis of UNP stock now.