Rail merger could mean fewer trains through the Ozarks

SPRINGFIELD, MO -  A national rail merger that’s now in the works could impact the number of trains rolling through the Ozarks. 

Last week, Ozarks First reported that two of the nation's four biggest railroads, Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS), were discussing a consolidation to create the nation’s first coast-to-coast rail network. Today, the companies made the official announcement that they're seeking federal approval for an $85-billion merger deal. The proposed system would entail nearly 50,000 miles of rail line serving 43 states, according to a press release from UP.

The move leaves the nation's remaining two major carriers, BNSF Railway (the main railroad serving the Ozarks) and CSX Transportation, to consider a merger. Historically, when two or more railroads in the U.S. have merged, it has led to rounds of other carriers consolidating to remain competitive. 

Today, Ozarks First reached out to BNSF for details about how a UP-NS combination would affect its operations and whether it's pursuing a consolidation with CSX.  A spokesperson simply said, “No comment at this time.”  

While Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern don't operate through southwest Missouri, their merger could impact the number of trains rolling through the area. That's because many of the daily BNSF coal trains that come through Springfield (after originating in Wyoming) are transferred to Norfolk Southern in Memphis. From there, NS delivers the trains to a Georgia Power generating station south of Atlanta. If the UP-NS merger is approved, those particular trains would likely be diverted to Union Pacific lines and bypass our area.

Considering a potential BNSF-CSX consolidation hasn't been publicly proposed yet, there are no details on how that combination could further impact railroad traffic and employment (for better or worse) in the Springfield area.

Any rail consolidations are far from a done deal. Mergers, such as the one proposed by UP and NS, require federal review and approval. Also, as seen with previous rail mergers, it's possible BNSF could make a counteroffer for NS and outbid UP.