After two record years of track-laying, the problems now facing the railway-building industry are severe.

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Gangs of up to 30 people are clearing the way and laying track for the final 100m through the Imberhorne cutting, south of the town.

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Despite recent cold weather that has slowed down removal of the final stretch of spoil from the Imberhorne cutting, and the laying of track and cabling, Mr Watts is confident the stretch will be completed in time.

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Musicians like Tyler will spend countless hours and days to perfect the notes and pitch of a song before they feel comfortable with laying down a track.

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Network Rail said workers were laying a pipe underneath the track to allow the water to drain away onto the other side.

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Much of the work is expected to be carried out at night, with a so-called factory train laying a mile of new track and cables every night once construction is underway.

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Mr Dudley added that BP was "on track with our strategy to 2014" and was laying foundations for growth.

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And put aside, too, the chancellor's cautious, mixed metaphors about the government laying down the foundations for a healing, rebalancing economy that's on the right track.

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