THE giant steel arch, commissioned as the centre-piece for the new Wembley Stadium, is nearing its 439 foot summit.

The immense construction, which will dominate the London skyline, is expected to be finished later this month. When completed, it will illuminate the night sky for 13 miles around, changing colour with every goal scored, and become the new symbol for the £757 million, 90,000-seater national stadium.

It replaces the old twin towers, which were demolished after the stadium's closure in September of 2000.

Work began to lift the arch into place three weeks ago and is set to continue for around a month. It was hauled halfway towards its maximum height after just five days, but getting it the rest of the way will prove more difficult.

After the arch hits its 439 foot target, it will be tilted to one side in order to prevent shadows being cast over the pitch on match days.

The new Wembley stadium project has often been a tortuous one, blighted by spiralling costs and complicated funding wrangles. However, Wembley National Stadium Ltd and construction firm Multiplex assure fans that renovation will be completed in time for the 2006 FA Cup Final.

A spokesman said: "The arch will reach its highest point of 439 feet. That is the tallest it will be before it gets tilted."