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

Omaha-based Union Pacific Railroad’s announcement Tuesday that it is acquiring the Norfolk Southern Railway — a move that would create the first transcontinental, coast-to-coast rail system — drew praise from Nebraska’s public and business leaders.

Union Pacific has agreed to acquire Norfolk Southern in an $85 billion deal, creating a transcontinental railroad and the largest in the U.S., the companies announced. Why it matters: The railroad megamerger requires regulatory authorization and could push other competitors BNSF and CSX into a deal of their own.