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The project is now entering the final stage - for the next several weeks, experts will be testing the mast's load bearing capacity, and the area around the mast will be beautified.

Experts will also be examining the flag hoisting mechanism, and test flying the flag in different weather conditions. That is why the monumental flag will not always be raised until the mast is accepted into operation.

The mast weighs more than 14 tons and rests on reinforced concrete piles driven 24 meters deep. The base of the mast is also made of reinforced concrete.

The Latvian Flag project was designed by Projektesanas Birojs ARHIS and supervised by architect Andris Kronbergs. The project is being implemented with private funds.

As reported, the 60-meter-high flag mast is expected to be erected on the AB jetty by November. The flag is a present to Latvia on its centennial anniversary.

The flag in Riga will be the largest such flag in Latvia.

However, monumental sized flags will also be built in other regions of the country as part of the project, and have already been raised in such towns as Smiltene, Ogre and Valka, and will be raised in the near future in Sigulda, Aluksne, Limbazi, Liepaja and Valmiera.