Combining Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern into the first transcontinental railroad in the U.S. would create a 52,215-mile colossus that could offer seamless service from coast to coast, bypassing longtime interchange choke points in Chicago and at gateways along the Mississippi River.

The combination of two large rail companies would create the first coast-to-coast network, but the deal could reduce competition.

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern are confirming they’re in merger talks that would create North America’s largest railroad, stretching service from East to West Coasts