B777 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Confusion; Physiological - Other
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Ground Excursion Runway
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Airport; Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors
ILS approach and landing was conducted to Runway 6R. To the best of my recollection we were cleared to land on the South Tower frequency which was assigned just prior to checking in once established on the localizer. The approach and landing were normal. During rollout at approximately 60 knots I called '60 knots I have the airplane' and the PF relinquished control. The Controller instructed us to exit via E8; right turn on to E. As I slowed for the turnoff I was surprised to find the east end of the runway was wet as the ATIS made no mention of rain; showers; or wet runway. The west end of the runway seemed dry. The ATIS was '240/4 10sm; FEW 014; BKN 070; 16/13 30.02 approach in use 6R or vectors for visual; opposite direction departures Runway 25.' As we came up on the intersection I visually had the E8 lighted sign in sight but the glare from the terminal lights on the wet pavement made it difficult to clearly see the painted intersection centerline and follow it. I turned on the centerline I believed to be E8. Shortly after the turn one or both of the IRO's said something to the effect that; 'This doesn't look right'; or 'This doesn't look like the taxiway;' followed by stop. I didn't feel it looked right at that moment either and immediately stopped. We notified ATC we had missed our turn and had stopped; and would need tug assistance. We also notified ATC we believed our tail was still on the runway. The Controller advised they had closed the runway. To the best of my knowledge no aircraft was told to go around as a result of this. I believe traffic was just shifted to other runways. We contacted [maintenance] and advised them we would need a tug and Mechanic to put us in a position where we could taxi again; and also contacted Dispatch/Operations to advise them of the situation. During our wait for the tug to arrive we started our APU and shutdown our engines. Due to the fact our tail was still over the runway we elected to leave on the strobe lights; beacon; wing and logo lights. Once our tug/maintenance arrived I opened my cockpit window and communicated verbally with the ground crew until a headset was hooked up. Once the headset was connected we were informed no damage had occurred to the aircraft or runway lights and discussed how we would push and start and it was decided to push us tail east on the runway for engine start; then the tug would disconnect and we would taxi normally. This was coordinated with ATC and accomplished. I instructed my crew (and myself) for all of us to keep our heads in the game and remain vigilant. I also mentioned an extra caution for disarming and opening the doors once blocked in. I believe I stated after block in for both IRO's to go disarm; but not open until we all had double checked it was safe. During the pushback on the runway for engine start it was noted by the cockpit crew that there were easily identifiable old painted runway marking turnoff stripes and a centerline into where we had turned even though they had been blacked out. It was my belief that this is what I saw and used to make the turn through the glare of the terminal lights and wet pavement and was the main contributing factor in the early turn. It wasn't until a ground vehicles headlights drove over and illuminated where we had just pushed from that the 'X' in the old intersection was visible. Once blocked in we completed our paperwork/arrival reports; checklists; and outside post flight inspection to confirm no damage to the aircraft. No damage was found. Fortunately; the airplane did not leave the paved area. No aircraft damage occurred. No airport property was damaged. It is my belief that the wet pavement in combination with the glare from the terminal lights and the fact that the old painted markings can still be seen were the main reason for the early turn and for what happened. I found out later that ATC had issued a stop order; but none of us in the cockpit remembered hearing it. Perhaps we were on another frequency by then. Do whatever is necessary to completely remove old striping; and block the old intersection. Install in runway turnoff lights for E8 intersection when landing eastbound.
ATC advised to take E8 then Echo off Runway 06R LAX; 'Call Ground.' Captain took taxiway at about 4 knots which appeared to E8. There were puddles on runway and area as if it had recently rained. Glare from Terminal and shading of tarmac made it a little hard to see. Captain took what appeared to be E8; as old markings indicated it was an active turnoff; shine from lights added to situation. As Captain turned; IRO number two; in outboard Observer seat stated firmly; 'STOP; STOP; it doesn't appear that we are on the Taxiway.' Captain immediately stopped aircraft and advised ATC we had inadvertently entered wrong taxiway.Maintenance and airport operations stated no damage. We connected a tug; pushed back to the runway; disconnected Tug and taxied to parking. IRO 2 performed a very extensive outside post flight of fuselage; wings; wheels; engines inlets and exhaust for any damage and informed captain; no damage to any part of aircraft. We didn't cause any movement delays; taxiway closures; airport damage to facilities; or airplane damage.The area around E-8 is poorly lighted. The old abandoned taxiway was a large contributing factor; as well as no rain mentioned on the ATIS.  The recent rain showers and the conditions were conducive to making mistakes as the old taxiway lines are highlighted by the terminal lights in the poor conditions. The abandoned taxiway should be removed or painted other than environmentally blending colors or perhaps a red stop bar should be installed to keep this from happening again in the future. The old taxi lines are still visible and are very misleading in the rain and in the dark. The old taxi lines need to be permanently abraded and not just painted over.
B777 flight crew reports a runway excursion at LAX when instructed to exit Runway 6R at E8. A wet runway and bright terminal lights during night conditions were conducive to the Captain mistaking old taxiway lines for the desired exit. The aircraft is stopped in a paved area; not intended for taxi; without damage to the aircraft or airport property.