Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern are in merger talks to create the largest railroad in North America that would connect the East and West Coasts.

OMAHA, NEB. — Union Pacific Corp. has agreed to acquire Norfolk Southern Corp. for $85 billion, a merger that would unite two of North America’s Class I freight railroads and major US-based grain shippers to create the country’s first transcontinental railroad.

Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP) and Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE:NSC) announced an agreement to create America’s first transcontinental railroad. The companies said they will seamlessly connect over 50,