SPRINGFIELD, MO – A national rail merger that’s now in the works could impact the number of trains rolling through the Ozarks.
Last week, Ozarks First reported that two of the nation’s four biggest railroads, Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS), were discussing a consolidation to create the nation’s first coast-to-coast rail network. Today, the companies made the official announcement that they’re seeking federal approval for an $85-billion merger deal. The proposed system would entail nearly 50,000 miles of rail line serving 43 states, according to a press release from UP.
The move leaves the nation’s remaining two major carriers, BNSF Railway (the main railroad serving the Ozarks) and CSX Transportation, to consider a merger. Historically, when two or more railroads in the U.S. have merged, it has led to rounds of other carriers consolidating to remain competitive…