Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern announce a landmark $85 billion merger to create America's first transcontinental railroad, connecting over 50,000 route miles from coast to coast.

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

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern said on Tuesday that they have agreed to a merger to create a $200 billion rail giant based on their current market capitalizations.