Two major U.S. railroads are in talks to merge, creating a transcontinental railroad valued at over $200 billion.

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, two major U.S. railroads, are in advanced talks for a potential $85 billion merger that could create the first transcontinental railroad in the U.S., valued at over $200 billion. The deal aims to streamline deliveries across the country by combining Union Pacific's Western network with Norfolk Southern's Eastern routes. However, the merger faces scrutiny from antitrust regulators and opposition from shipper groups worried about higher rates and reduced competition. If approved, it could trigger further mergers among the remaining major railroads like BNSF and CSX.