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.

The press release describes the railroad as a 'truck-competitive solution,' stating that it will reduce highway congestion and reduce wear and tear on public roadways.

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