BNSF, CPKC, and CSX to request broad access to a combined UP-NS network

BNSF Railway, CPKC, and CSX plan to seek broad trackage rights over a combined Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern system, if federal regulators approve the transcontinental merger. Notably, CPKC and CSX are targeting the same corridor: They want access to the Kansas City-St. Louis trackage now controlled by UP or NS, arguing that the merger partners’ existing fix — trackage rights for Canadian National — doesn’t restore meaningful competition. The railroads outlined their plans in Wednesday regulatory filings with the Surface Transportation Board. The filings tip their hands regarding so-called responsive applications the railroads expect to submit by a Nov.