Core Points - Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS) have received overwhelming shareholder approval for their merger, with nearly 99% of NS shareholders and 99.5% of UP shareholders voting in favor of the $85 billion deal [1][2] - The merger aims to create America's first coast-to-coast transcontinental railroad, enhancing network capabilities and providing benefits to stakeholders [2] - NS shareholders will receive one share of Union Pacific common stock and $88.82 in cash for each share of Norfolk Southern [2] - UP shareholders approved the issuance of new shares of UP common stock as part of the merger process [3] - The railroads plan to file their merger application with the Surface Transportation Board in early December [3]