Both sides of the M60 at Eccles and Worsley will be closed overnight this weekend so roadworkers can erect the last of nine 78-tonne metal gantries.
But the closure could be delayed if strong winds are forecast.
Highways England are installing the ‘superspan’ arches as part of their £208 million smart motorway project, which has seen roadworks on this route for over two years.
This section of motorway closes in both directions at 10pm on Saturday 6 August and will not re-open until 6am on Sunday 7 August.
Drivers will be diverted around the closure, between Junction 12 at Eccles interchange and Junction 13 at Worsley.
The 60-metre wide gantries, which weigh up to 78 tonnes each, need at least a 200-tonne crane to help winch them into place.
The smart motorway scheme, between junction 8 of the M60 near Sale and junction 20 of the M62, will see the latest technology being used to monitor traffic levels and keep vehicles moving by using variable speed limits.
Highways England project manager Stef Wilson said: “These are huge structures so they require full closures of the motorway while we erect them.
“We are doing everything we can to keep disruption to a minimum, but we ask drivers to be patient and plan their journeys while this intensive phase of work is underway.”
When the smart motorway scheme is completed, around 200 new electronic message signs on overhead gantries will warn drivers of changes in the mandatory speed limit, lane closures and incidents ahead.
