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

Union Pacific wants to buy Norfolk Southern in a $85 billion deal that would create the first transcontinental railroad in the U.S, potentially triggering a final wave of rail mergers across the country.

The merged company plans to establish a rail network spanning 43 states, which would be the first transcontinental railroad in the U.S.