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.

Union Pacific Transcontinental Railroad will strengthen U.S. supply chain, economy, and domestic manufacturing; preserve union jobs.

Two of the largest U.S. railroads, Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, are planning to merge. The companies made the announcement Tuesday morning. The $85 billion deal would create America’s first transcontinental freight railroad.