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Transportation Planning - Starter Guide

How to use the Transportation Planning beta feature.

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Written by Nicole Heger
Updated over a week ago

The Transportation Planning BETA feature in 4M helps you quickly create road alignment scenarios and automatically generate a Utility Conflict Matrix during early planning and design. This workflow simplifies coordination, streamlines utility planning, and brings transparency to the utility conflict resolution process.

Here’s how it works:

Watch the demo video

Why Use Transportation Planning?

  • Simplify early-stage planning – quickly model roadway improvements.

  • Streamline workflows – easily identify and address potential conflicts with utilities.

  • Enhance transparency – track coordination efforts with utility owners.

Getting Started

  1. Open your existing 4M project.

  2. Go to Tools & Workflows → select Transportation Planning.

Creating an Element

For example, you might want to explore the feasibility of adding a turning lane or bicycle lane at an intersection. To create one or multiple elements:

  1. Draw your area

    • Use the polygon tool or upload a KMZ file.

    • Precision isn’t required at this stage—you’re testing feasibility.

  2. Fill in project details

    • Element type – used to detect relevant conflicts.

    • Display name (optional) – label for easier identification.

    • Excavation depth – improves conflict detection based on excavation needs.

  3. Click Continue.

  4. Repeat the process to draw and define additional elements.

Detecting Conflicts

  1. When finished, select Detect Conflicts.

  2. A pop-up will show Suggested Excavation Ranges (pre-populated with sector averages, but editable).

  3. Click Create Conflict Matrix.

Reviewing the Utility Conflict Matrix

The generated table includes:

  • Utility Owner

  • Resolution Status (user input: In Progress / Resolved)

  • Utility Owner Contact (user input)

  • Conflict Description

  • Utility Type

  • Placement in ROW

  • Latitude & Longitude

  • Recommended Action (user input)

You’ll soon be able to download this table directly from 4M into a .pdf, .csv and other file types.

What’s Next?

This beta feature will continue to evolve, becoming your first stop for initial utility coordination.

Want to try it out? Reach out to your Customer Success Manager to get early access to this feature.

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