Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern confirmed that they are in “advanced” merger talks that would create a single U.S railroad with service stretching from the East to the West Coast. The Associated Press reported last week that the companies were discussing a tie-up but neither company acknowledged that until Thursday morning.

Atlanta-based Norfolk Southern confirmed on Thursday that it is in merger talks with Union Pacific. The merger between two of the country’s major freight railroads would create a single U.S. railroad with service stretching coast-to-coast.