Combining Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern into the first transcontinental railroad in the U.S. would create a 52,215-mile colossus that could offer seamless service from coast to coast, bypassing longtime interchange choke points in Chicago and at gateways along the Mississippi River.

The Estate of Cheryl Roush has filed a lawsuit against Norfolk Southern for $250,000 in damages related to her death, alleging that the train derailment on February 3, 2023 released toxic chemicals into the air which caused her injuries and eventual death.