A CONSTRUCTION firm has landed a £1.5million contract to create an iconic landmark - one of the most expensive foot-bridges in the country.

Specialist architectural metal-work company M-tec is creating a 60-metre long bridge as part of a £100million development in the Temple Quay area of Bristol led by West Midlands-based development firm Castlemore Securities.

The structure will connect the office development to a train station and the unique design is being made out of Duplex stainless steel which is only available in Sweden.

The steel has improved strength and resistance to corrosion and was specially shipped to Darwen.

M-tec, one of five divisions of engineering firm WEC Group, based in Junction Street, was called in to construct the bridge after a previous contract with the development company.

The bridge, the biggest single order for WEC Group from one company, is being made in eight sections and will be transported the 190 miles to Bristol in four trips using special wide lorries.

Tom Elliot, general sales manager for M-tec, said: "The structure is unique and will be one of the most impressive structures of its kind in the UK.

"Lifting the bridge over the river will be an impressive sight, as one of the largest cranes in Europe will be required.

"With the bridge at its centre point over the water and suspended by crane, total weight will be around 1,500 tonnes."

The bridge construction began four weeks ago and 25 fabricators are building it, using laser cutters and welding equipment.

It is due to be completed in June WEC Group has 275 employees and occupies an eight-acre site, with five divisions specialising in different aspects of engin-eering.