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

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.

Union Pacific said on Tuesday it would buy smaller rival Norfolk Southern in an US$85-billion deal to create the country’s first coast-to-coast freight rail operator and reshape the movement of goods from grains to autos across the U.