ENGINEERING specialist Cleveland Bridge has landed a £3.3m contract to build a replacement bridge in Teesside.

The Darlington-based company, which became embroiled an a dispute with Wembley contractor Multiplex in 2004 after building the stadium's iconic arch, will start on the contract immediately.

Cleveland's 250-strong workforce will work on the contract. The company now has enough work to last it another year, with contracts on the Tinsley viaduct replacement project, and the Tay Bridge in Scotland.

The new contract, to supply and build a replacement plate girder bridge on the A66 dual carriageway over the River Tees, will have its first phase completed by August, with the second phase due for completion in March 2007.

Cleveland was awarded the contract through main contractor Edward Nuttall, which is working for the Highways Agency.

Brian Rogan, managing director of Cleveland Bridge, said: "Having completed ten similar projects over the past four years, our expertise in bridge construction contributed to our winning this very exciting contract.

"Undertaking the erection with the bridge remaining fully functional throughout the 48-week programme of works will require strong project management and smart engineering.

"I am delighted for the dedicated team at Cleveland Bridge that we have secured this contract win.

"I am convinced that this is just the first of a number of contracts that will be coming our way this summer."

A spokeswoman for the company said it was tendering for more work in the pipeline.

Cleveland Bridge's court case with Multiplex starts at the end of April.