B737 Next Generation Undifferentiated
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Confusion; Situational Awareness
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Ground Incursion Taxiway
Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Airport; Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors
Was cleared to taxi after landing Runway 24L (vacated on Z) to gate via Taxiways E; R; D. Due to various taxiway closures and lots of construction in the area and confusing location of Taxiway R's sign; mistook E13 for R. We had seen and identified the sign for R; but it's close proximity to Taxiway E13 made E13 look like it was R from our vantage point. No further action was taken from LAX Ground Control. Poorly positioned/oriented and small taxiway signs [is to blame]. Taxiway R's sign is exactly between E13 and R Taxiways. From distance; very difficult to discern which taxiway the sign pertains to.
The reporter stated that he and his First Officer had reviewed and briefed the Commercial Airport Construction Chart and discussed CAUTION note which states: CAUTION: Twy E13 can be confused for adjacent Twy R. Twy E13 south of Twy E closed to acft with wingspan over 125' (38m). Yet when they approach E-13 it appeared that the Taxiway R signage directed them to E-13. The Reporter suggest that the large scale letters E13 and R be painted on the Taxiways so that crew can more clearly associate the signage with the adjacent Taxiway. The level of effort required to safely exit the holding ramp area where E13 leads should hasten a solution to this known problem.
A B737 Captain taxied onto LAX Taxiway E13 when cleared onto Taxiway R; because the R sign is too near Taxiway E13's throat and makes it appear to be R.