NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD News) — Canadian National Railway will not oppose Union Pacific’s proposed merger with Norfolk Southern after securing expanded access, switching interests, and operating rights. The settlement could reduce opposition during the Surface Transportation Board review while reshaping rail competition across major agricultural corridors.
Canadian National would gain access to shippers losing Class I service because of the merger. It would also receive Norfolk Southern ownership interests in switching railroads serving Kansas City and St. Louis, plus broader access between those markets.
The agreement includes overhead trackage rights between Tuscola, Illinois, and East St. Louis. A separate arrangement gives Union Pacific access around Chicago and Canadian National operating rights between Memphis and the Eagle Pass, Texas, border crossing.
Those concessions could preserve alternative service for grain elevators, processors, and other rural shippers affected by network consolidation. The Memphis-to-Eagle Pass route is especially important for agricultural trade with Mexico.
Recent flooding temporarily suspended Eagle Pass rail access, underscoring the corridor’s importance and vulnerability. Shippers will watch merger conditions, service protections, and restoration of dependable cross-border rail movements.
