CN to Drop Opposition to Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Deal in Return for Expanded Access

Union Pacific has reached a deal with Canadian National Railway to give CN expanded rail access in the Midwest in exchange for CN dropping its opposition to Union Pacific's proposed $71.5 billion merger with Norfolk Southern. Under the proposed agreement, CN would gain rights to operate trains on tracks between Tuscola and East St. Louis, Illinois, as well as rights to serve customers between St. Louis and Kansas City, Missouri. The deal removes a key obstacle to the merger, which would combine two major U.S. railroads. The announcement was made on July 23, 2026, by the companies involved.