For anyone who’s ever been stuck on I-75 in Middle Georgia, watching trucks crawl in endless backups, it’s already clear our transportation system needs help. Freight traffic has surged across our state. Highways are clogged, infrastructure is strained, and too many lives are being put at risk because of that. Here in Macon-Bibb County, we see it every single day. 

I grew up in this community and have spent my life working to make it stronger. From the factories along Eisenhower Parkway to the rail lines running through Brosnan Yard, we know how to move goods and create opportunities. But the system that once served us well is now pushed to its limits. Our roads are carrying far more than they were built for, and taxpayers are footing the bill to keep them together. 

We need a tangible solution to our growing problem, and that’s why I support the proposed merger between Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific. It’s a practical, forward-looking solution to take pressure off our highways, move freight more safely, and strengthen Georgia’s infrastructure. A stronger, more connected rail network can help us meet the needs of a growing economy while keeping our communities safe. 

Rail is part of Macon’s DNA. Brosnan Yard moves close to 10,000 railcars every week, making it one of Norfolk Southern’s busiest hubs in the country. Each one of those cars means fewer trucks on the road, less wear on our infrastructure, and lower costs for local businesses – proof that when rail runs efficiently, the entire region thrives. 

The merger would modernize how freight moves across America. By linking routes from coast to coast, trains could travel longer and more directly without sitting idle for handoffs. That means less fuel wasted, fewer emissions, and faster delivery times for the companies that depend on reliable service. 

Safety must remain at the heart of any transportation strategy. Just last month, a truck crash on I-85 killed eight people, including five children. Every shipment we move by rail instead of highway lowers the chances of tragedies like that. Rail has long been one of the safest ways to move freight, and this merger builds on that strong record through smarter technology, unified operations, and strong safety cultures. 

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern already lead the way in innovation – from real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance to advanced signaling systems that prevent accidents before they happen. Together, UP-NS can build a safer, more efficient network that keeps freight – and Georgia’s economy – moving. 

I understand when people hear the word “merger,” they worry about job losses or less competition. Those concerns are fair, but this proposal is about modernization, not consolidation. Norfolk Southern has long been part of Macon’s economy, and Union Pacific brings a strong record of innovation and reliable service. Together, they have invested roughly $300 million over the past five years in workforce training, safety programs, and community projects. Combining their strengths will make the system more resilient without sacrificing jobs or local partnerships. 

A stronger rail network will also help small manufacturers reach new markets, protect local infrastructure, and keep Georgia competitive. Trucking companies have been adopting automation and advanced technology for years. Without similar modernization in rail, shipping costs could rise – putting small businesses and taxpayers at risk of footing the bill. One study found that a 34% drop in trucking costs could cut intermodal rail traffic by more than half, pushing even more freight onto already crowded highways. 

At its core, this merger is about keeping our roads safe, protecting taxpayer dollars, and attracting the next generation of employers to Macon-Bibb. We have worked hard to lower taxes, strengthen accountability, and improve public safety. Efficiency defines who we are – and this merger reflects that same principle on a national scale: a smarter, safer system designed to serve people first. 

Progress happens when we recognize a better way forward and have the courage to pursue it. Strengthening our rail network through this merger is one of those moments – a chance to keep Macon-Bibb and Georgia moving in the right direction. 

Lester Miller is Macon-Bibb County.