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

Railroad company Union Pacific will buy Norfolk Southern in a cash and stock transaction valued at $85 billion, combining two of the largest rail operators in the nation. The merger will combine Union Pacific’s Western,

The largest rail union in the United States intends to oppose Union Pacific's proposed $85-billion buy of smaller rival Norfolk Southern in proceedings before the Surface Transportation Board, the union,