B737 Next Generation Undifferentiated
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 310
Confusion; Situational Awareness; Other / Unknown
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Flight Crew Returned To Clearance; Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Airport; Chart Or Publication; Environment - Non Weather Related
We were assigned gate {number} and passed right by it when taxiing in. When taxiing in from the north part of the ramp; the sign designating gate {number} faces south and cannot be seen when pulling into the Safety Zone. The 20-7 page shows gate {number} as the last one around the corner; yet it is not; as there is one more gate past {number}. All of the gate signs at the new terminal are very difficult to see. Because of their design; you cannot actually read the lettering unless you are directly in front of it. Our Agent said aircraft are always passing by {number} because of the charting and signage issues; yet Airport Management will not do anything about it.
The Reporter referred to the new Concourse B western most gates and stated that when approaching the gates from the north ramp off of Taxiway Y; the gate signs cannot be seen until directly facing the gates or approaching from the south. The Airport Management has been advised of the issue but refuses to address it although taxiing beyond the gates is a major concern for flight crew.
A Captain reported that the signage for the western most SMF Concourse B gates cannot be seen before turning into the gates when approaching from the north off Taxiway Y.