B737-700
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 180
Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Ground Conflict; Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Incursion Runway
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Procedure
After landing on RWY XXR; we were instructed to hold short RWY XXL. The First Officer went off frequency to call Company. Approaching the RWY XXL hold short line; ZZZ Tower cleared us to cross RWY XXL. I acknowledged Tower and continued across RWY XXL. Several aircraft were holding short and one was in position for takeoff.Since our aircraft was still in motion; little time was required to comply with the taxi clearance. Tower rescinded the taxi clearance and instructed us to hold short moments later. It was too late as we were already entering the runway environment. I elected to continue the taxi to expedite the only alternative to properly clearing the runway. Tower issued an abort instruction to the departing RWY XXL aircraft.Airport operations at several airports conduct very rapid serial communications; instructions and aircraft movements. Understandably; it's required for an efficient NAS environment. However; potentially significant errors can be introduced with scant time for detection and mitigation. Upon shutdown; I called the Tower Supervisor to learn what occurred. He had yet to review the tapes but indicated it was an ATC error. ZZZ Tower did a very good job in correcting a dangerous situation. I don't know what systems Tower Controllers have and use to prevent such occurrences. Within the aircraft; I will ask the First Officer to remain on Tower or Ground frequency until all runway crossings have been accomplished.
[Report narrative contained no additional information.]
B737 flight crew reported that ATC cleared the aircraft to cross the runway while another aircraft was cleared to takeoff.