Union Pacific Corp. is acquiring Norfolk Southern Corp. in an $85 billion deal, the companies announced Tuesday, in a merger that the companies said will create America’s first transcontinental railroad.

(CNN) — Two of the largest US railroads, Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, announced on Tuesday a plan to combine in a $72 billion deal that would create America’s first transcontinental freight railroad.

Norfolk Southern has received a total of 14 ratings from analysts, with the consensus rating as Neutral. With an average one-year price target of $288.57, the consensus suggests a potential 2.19% upside.

Recent grant from NS boosts efforts for Norfolk & Western No. 611 with $40,000 to support VMT's Rail Heritage Initiatives.