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.

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

Two of the largest U.S. railroads, Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, are planning to merge. The companies made the announcement Tuesday morning. The $85 billion deal would create America’s first transcontinental freight railroad.