Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern have proposed an $85 billion merger to create the nation’s first coast-to-coast rail network.

Chemical manufacturers and competing railroad BNSF have raised concerns about whether the merger would hurt competition and lead to higher rates.

The proposed merger announced this summer was designed to link Union Pacific’s vast rail network in the West with Norfolk’s rails that crisscross the Eastern United States. The combined railroad would include more than 50,000 miles of track in 43 states with connections to major ports on both coasts.

The railroads argued that this merger would streamline deliveries of raw materials and goods nationwide by eliminating delays when shipments are handed off between railroads.

https://apnews.com/article/union-pacific-norfolk-southern-railroad-merger-transcontinental-470b0c5ebb209381799d304e67097eec