A Union Pacific freight train travels in Eloy, Ariz. A merger between UP and Norfolk Southern would create the U.S.'s first coast-to-coast rail network.

Shareholders of Union Pacific UNP-N and Norfolk Southern NSC-N backed the railroads’ proposed US$85-billion ($119.26-billion) merger to create the country’s first coast-to-coast rail network.

Roughly 99 per cent of both railroads’ shareholders voted to support the largest rail merger in history Friday, but the U.S. Surface Transportation Board must still approve it before the deal can be completed.

Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena said, “Our shareholders see the value and understand this merger will unlock new opportunities to enhance service, growth and innovation.”

Vena has said that he hopes to file the formal merger application eithe

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