Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern are proceeding with an $85 billion merger. This deal would create the first single-line transcontinental railroad in the United States. The combined network will span 50,000 miles. This infrastructure will cover 43 states.
The companies first announced the merger in July 2025. The Surface Transportation Board (STB) is currently reviewing the proposal. The STB accepted a revised application in May 2026.
On July 7, 2026, the railroads submitted supplemental information requested by the regulator. The companies estimate the deal will save shippers $3.5 billion annually. The railroads target a mid-2027 closing, pending final regulatory approval.