Omaha-based Union Pacific Railroad’s announcement Tuesday that it is acquiring the Norfolk Southern Railway — a move that would create the first transcontinental, coast-to-coast rail system — drew praise from Nebraska’s public and business leaders.

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

Union Pacific is seeking to buy Norfolk Southern in a $85 billion deal that would create the first transcontinental railroad in the U.S.