Shareholders of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern have overwhelmingly approved their proposed merger, with nearly 99% of Norfolk Southern and 99.5% of Union Pacific votes in favor. Both companies’ CEOs celebrated this milestone, highlighting the merger’s potential to create America’s first coast-to-coast transcontinental railroad, enhancing service across 50,000 route miles in 43 states. However, concerns from U.S. lawmakers and industry stakeholders regarding competition and potential rate increases have been raised. The merger is expected to close by early 2027, pending regulatory approval.