Proposed rail merger raises traffic concerns in Portland’s Central Eastside

Published: Jun. 17, 2026 at 4:19 PM PDT
Portlanders are learning more about a proposed rail merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern — a deal the companies say could improve the supply chain and lower shipping costs. But in Portland’s Central Eastside, residents and workers worry the merger could mean even more trains moving through an area already plagued by lengthy rail-related backups.