Air carrier flight crew reported a taxiway incursion at MKE airport and cited taxiway marking issues as a contributing factor.
Synopsis
Air carrier flight crew reported a taxiway incursion at MKE airport and cited taxiway marking issues as a contributing factor.
Narrative
Instructed to taxi to Runway 7R via B and A. Approaching the A1 intersection; there was a (other carrier) Aircraft Y taxiing on A and they were told to give way to us at what I believed was A1. As we came around the curve on B; I saw Aircraft Y coming to a stop and I saw the taxiway sign for A to my left. That is where I thought Taxiway B joined Taxiway A and I started to make the turn to join A. At that point ATC told us to stop and that we had made the wrong turn. He asked both us and the (other carrier) Crew if we had enough room; which we did; and he allowed us to continue to join A and taxi to Runway 7R.I am ZZZ based and it has probably been at least two years since I've flown through MKE; so the airport is a little unfamiliar. I didn't realize that Taxiway B continues a little further and then blends into Taxiway A. The intersection of A1 is poorly labeled as there is no clear A1 sign visible as you come around the curve on B. There is; however; a very visible sign with a single A; leading one to believe this is where B and A join.
Second reporter narrative
We were cleared to taxi via A; B to Runway 7R. As we were taxiing; ATC told us that (other carrier) Aircraft Y would be giving way to us and also told us to follow (another carrier) on Taxiway A. While taxiing on B; the Captain started to make a left turn; onto what he thought was A; at what he thought was the intersection of A and B but it was actually A-1 at the intersection of A and B. The Captain said he had mistaken the signage at this intersection. Ground Control stopped us on Taxiway A-1 prior to taxing onto A in front of Aircraft Y that was holding short and giving way to us. I was watching Aircraft Y to make sure they were going to stop; and it happened before I could query. While it doesn't negate our responsibility; I did/do agree with the Captain that signage is a bit confusing at that intersection. Once Aircraft Y and we agreed there was plenty of room; we continued our taxi as instructed by Ground Control to Runway 7R via A-1 and A.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.