The largest rail union in the United States said on Tuesday it intends to oppose Union Pacific's proposed $85 billion acquisition of smaller rival Norfolk Southern in regulatory proceedings, citing concerns about how the largest-ever buyout in the sector will affect U.

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

USA: Union Pacific has set out details of its agreement to acquire Norfolk Southern to create the USA's first coast-to-coast transcontinental railway, with over 80 000 route-km across 43 states.