B737-800
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 1
Situational Awareness
Conflict Ground Conflict; Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Ground Incursion Runway
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Returned To Clearance
Human Factors; Airport
Aircraft X was cleared to land on runway 16L with Aircraft Y holding short of 16L waiting to depart. Another aircraft was crossing a 4.5NM final for 16L and Aircraft X was told to expedite to H4 (a high speed taxiway) to clear the runway and taxi to their gate. Aircraft Y was instructed to line up and wait on 16L. Aircraft X turned early at H5 but was observed clearing the runway; Aircraft X was then instructed to cross the hold-bar and contact Ground. Aircraft Y was cleared for takeoff and issued a departure heading of 160 and they began their takeoff roll. Aircraft X then turned back onto the runway to take the exit at H4. Aircraft Y's takeoff clearance was cancelled and they were instructed to exit at H11; which they did; and were given new taxi instructions to return to runway 16L full length (H13). Aircraft X was issued a brasher statement from the Ground Controller and instructed to contact the Tower by telephone. The aircraft on final landed and Aircraft Y [was] then able to depart with no further issues.
I flew the ILS 16L to SLC. On landing roll out; Tower said to exit at H4. I gave the controls of the aircraft to the Captain; answered Tower; and we began to exit the runway. In the process of exiting; we saw 3 taxiways immediately branch out in front of us. We quickly assessed which branch was correct and turned left onto H4 as instructed. As we taxied onto H4; we heard Tower cancel an aircraft's takeoff clearance for Runway 16L. Once fully clear of the runway; we contacted ground and were instructed to call Tower to discuss a possible pilot deviation. If possible; I suggest not clearing an aircraft for takeoff until after the landing aircraft is fully clear of the runway.
SLC Local Controller and B737 flight crew reported a runway incursion due to taxiway confusion.