Erie Weld Products, Inc and PCE Engineering were tasked with building and installing new handrails and guardrails around the tower pier area, and bayfront piers for protection from the water's edge. Given the Bicentennial Tower location on the Erie bayfront, a popular tourist destination, it necessitated protective measures against the elements, particularly the water. PCE Engineering, based in Meadville, PA, took on the task of designing matching handrails for the piers, docks, boat ramps, and the tower complex. The challenge was amplified by Erie's status as one of the snowiest cities globally, exposing the handrails to both winter maintenance salts and lake spray.

The Bicentennial Tower, erected in 1995 to commemorate Erie's bicentennial year (1996), stands proudly at the terminus of State Street on Dobbins Landing, with its address at 1 State Street, Erie, PA, 16507. Soaring to a height of 187 feet (57 m), the tower boasts two observation decks and is a key landmark in the city. In a tribute to the community's support, the vicinity around the tower features bricks engraved with the names and messages of individuals and groups who generously contributed to various community-benefit projects, including the tower's construction.

To counteract the challenging corrosive effects of the great lake shore, a strategic decision was made to employ a duplex system. The chosen approach involved galvanizing followed by painting the handrails, ensuring maximum protection against corrosion. Duplex systems have demonstrated the ability to extend the life cycle of coatings up to 2.3 times the average lifespan.

Preserving the aesthetic appeal and structural integrity of this prominent city attraction was paramount. The project is making the use of duplex coating on 126,236 lbs of handrails, an essential part of the project. The focus on complexity of design, corrosion control over design life, final appearance, and overall project enhancement underscores the commitment to ensuring the longevity and visual appeal of this iconic structure.