"Splitting Line Features failed. The operation does not support this dataset type." while splitting the line features using Split tool on an Utility Network when the Split Policy is set to 'Delete/Insert/Insert'

Error Message

In ArcGIS Pro, the following error is returned under certain circumstances when working with Utility Network data::

“Splitting Line Features failed. The operation does not support this dataset type.” 

Situations under which this occurs include:

• The line feature participates in a Utility Network: The feature being split is part of an enabled Utility Network dataset (for example, electric, gas, water, or telecom) rather than a standalone feature class. Utility Network datasets enforce additional editing constraints compared to traditional geodatabase feature classes to maintain network integrity.
• The feature is participating in utility network associations: The line feature which is being split could be tied to different types of associations like connectivity, containment, or structural attachment. Since these associations are tied to the feature’s GlobalID, deleting the original feature (as required by Delete/Insert/Insert) would invalidate existing associations. The Split tool does not have the capability to safely transfer or re-create these associations for newly inserted features.
• The network topology is enabled: When working with a Utility Network, the network topology is enabled. With topology enabled, ArcGIS Pro strictly enforces network rules and editing restrictions. Any operation that could result in uncontrolled loss of associations or rule violations - such as delete-based splits are blocked

Cause

This behavior is expected because when a feature within a Utility Network is split while the split policy is configured as Delete/Insert/Insert, the original feature is removed from the network and replaced with two newly created features. As a result, any existing connectivity and associations tied to the original feature are inherently broken, since those relationships cannot be automatically transferred to the newly inserted features.

Utility Network datasets enforce additional edit restrictions compared to standard feature classes. Esri documentation notes that editing tools must comply with:

• Network rules
• Association rules
• Topology validation requirements

The Split tool is classified as a general-purpose editing tool and does not support operations that involve feature deletion and reinsertion within a Utility Network. When such an operation is attempted, ArcGIS Pro returns the generic message that the operation is not supported for the dataset type

Solution or Workaround

The steps listed below should be followed to change the split policy from 'Delete/Insert/Insert ' to 'Update/Insert':

1. Make a connection to the geodatabase in which the Utility Network is deployed in ArcGIS Pro. If the Utility Network is created in an enterprise geodatabase, then make a connection to the enterprise geodatabase as the Utility Network Database Owner.
2. Right-click the feature classes associated with the Utility Network, and select Properties > Source > Split Model.

3. Click the drop-down next to Split Model, and select Update/Insert.

4. Click on OK to apply the changes.