A contractor could lose big money if construction of New Bern's new double-bascule drawbridge isn't completed by the deadline.

The Alfred Cunningham drawbridge in was supposed to be done by November 1st. That target end date was pushed back to mid-December. Now, the Department of Transportation says the expected completion date has been pushed back to mid-January.

Bridge engineer Johnny Metcalfe says if the contractor doesn't have the bridge open by December 12th, then the state can start imposing liquidated damages. That means some payments can be withheld.

Bridge engineer Johnny Metcalfe said the amount the contractor Balfour Beatty could lose is about $5,000 a day, plus out of pocket expenses, until the bridge is completed.