Lateral lines in a geometric network create unwanted connections

Description

When creating a connection in a geometric network, unwanted connections are also created as the lateral line crosses other lines and new vertices are placed at the connection points. Instead of creating an end-to-edge or end-to-end connection, the lateral lines create an edge-to-edge connection.

Cause

This is a known behavior. The unwanted connections with new vertices are created because the edge is configured as a complex edge. When snapping a junction or an edge along a complex edge, the edge is split in the logical network. Although the edge remains a single feature in the geometric network, a vertex is created at the point where the new junction or edge connects to the feature.

Solution or Workaround

1. Select the complex edge line feature.
2. Disconnect features from the network by using the Disconnect tool.
3. Remove the vertices at the unwanted connection points.
4. Re-select the complex edge line features and the desired connecting features.
5. Reconnect the features using the Connect tool.

Note:
Modeling a geometric network for water utilities enables utility system tracing, error checking, and better productivity while editing. In addition to the discussed solutions, the Water Utility Network Editing and Analysis toolbar provides more tools such as Add Laterals at Connections and Add Laterals from Line Locations that work with lateral lines. For more information, refer to the following ArcGIS Web Help page: A quick tour of Water Network Editing toolbar.