What is GRIP?
Network Rail has since replaced GRIP with PACE (Project Acceleration in a Controlled Environment) for new projects. However, GRIP remains relevant when referring to some ongoing projects and existing or historic project documentation.
GRIP stands for Governance for Railway Investment Projects. It was Network Rail’s eight-stage framework for managing and controlling projects that enhance or renew the national rail network. The GRIP process covered the development of railway investment projects from inception through to project closeout and was developed to help minimise and mitigate the risks associated with delivering projects on an operational railway.
GRIP was designed around defined stages, with agreed products and project outputs developed as a project progressed through the framework.
This guide explains the eight GRIP stages, from Output Definition through to Project Closeout.
What are the stages of the GRIP process?
There are eight distinct stages of the GRIP process:
- Output definition
- Feasibility
- Option selection
- Single option development
- Detailed design
- Construction, test and commission
- Scheme handback
- Project close out
We will look at each of these distinct stages in more detail below.
GRIP Stage 1: Output definition
This is where the needs and requirements of a project are defined.
GRIP Stage 2: Feasibility
The feasibility stage assesses whether the outputs can be delivered economically and in line with current network proposals/strategy.
The timing and specification, funding and any risks, procurement methodology, clashes with existing railway operations/projects and route strategies and other stakeholder involvement are assessed to establish the scope of investment and identify any constraints.
GRIP Stage 3: Option selection
At the end of stage 3 the most appropriate and economically viable option that delivers all the requirements is selected. From stage 3 this single option and outline design should be recommended and taken forward.
GRIP stage 4: Single option development
By the end of stage 4 of the eight distinct stages, a design outline for the recommended option from stage 3 is complete. Any technical or legal issues that could cancel an option or a project should have been identified by this point.
GRIP stage 5: Detailed design
The full, robust engineering design is produced along with the detailed costings and time estimates that go with the project delivery.
This is where RSP’s Engineering Design Solutions come in. Our Engineering Design Services are delivered from our modern design office and produce designs that meet our clients’ needs as well as being easy to use and comprehensive. We have proven experience across a range of safety-critical sectors and clients. Our engineering designers are focused on providing a service to deliver an design solution, to both electrical and mechanical engineering problems and work in accordance with CDM regulations and ISO 9001
GRIP stage 6: Construction, test and Commission
The project is built as per the specification detailed in stage 5. It is then tested to ensure that everything is working as it should be and then commissioned into use.
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GRIP stage 7: Scheme handback
Network Rail, the train operator, maintenance team and other relevant authorities are engaged to receive ownership of the project, now called an asset.
GRIP stage 8: Project close out
At the end of GRIP stage 8 of the Governance for Railway Investment Projects the project will be formally closed by the project team.
The contracts must be settled, warranties agreed and benefit assessments begin.
RSP Experience Across GRIP 4–8
RSP has supported railway signalling projects across GRIP 4–8, including detailed design, construction support, commissioning, scheme handback and project closeout.
What replaced the GRIP process?
Network Rail has replaced the GRIP process with PACE (Project Acceleration in a Controlled Environment) for new projects.
GRIP remains relevant when referring to some ongoing projects and existing or historic project documentation, which is why understanding the eight GRIP stages is still useful.
PACE has a different structure from the former GRIP process and provides a more flexible control framework that can be tailored to the requirements of individual projects.
For a detailed explanation of the current Network Rail framework, including the PACE phases and ES1–ES8 Engineering Stages, read our Network Rail PACE Process: Stages & ES1–ES8 Explained.
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