Air carrier flight crew turned onto closed taxiway to avoid near collision with another aircraft.
Synopsis
Air carrier flight crew turned onto closed taxiway to avoid near collision with another aircraft.
Narrative
Crew was cleared to taxi southbound on taxiway Y; then eastbound on Y2 to the parking ramp. Ground frequency was very busy; and crew noticed that a plane was taxiing right towards us; nose to nose; from the opposite direction; we didn't hear the Ground Controller addressing the other aircraft or the pending conflict. It appeared that this aircraft would reach what appeared to be taxiway Y2 before we could reach Y2 ourselves; which was our clearance. Captain made decision to take the next closest feeder taxiway toward the ramp to avoid a potential conflict; which turned out to be taxiway Y1 instead of Y2. As the Captain took this evasive maneuver; we overheard the Ground Controller now instructing the conflict aircraft to hold short of Y2 because we were cleared to take taxiway Y2. It is my belief that these instructions to the opposing aircraft possibly weren't issued in time to prevent a potential conflict; hence the Captain's apparent decision; in my opinion; to take the taxiway he did to avoid conflict. After Captain made the evasive maneuver; the Ground Controller admonished the crew for taking the wrong taxiway; and that the taxiway we took (Y1) was closed. There were no visual cues which signaled that the taxiway was closed.Cause: The flight from ZZZ to MIA is very short; and this may have created a time constraint which led to the crew missing the note in the ATIS that taxiway Y1 was closed between Y and W. Also; taxiways Y1 and Y2 are very close together; and I have noticed in the past that the sign for taxiway Y1 is somewhat far before the taxiway; and it may have been behind us at the time we took the taxiway; so there may have possibly been some confusion on the Captain's part as to which taxiway we were taking; though of course I cannot speak on behalf of the Captain's perspective.Suggestion: Regardless of time constraints; crew should scrutinize all instructions in the arrival ATIS. Also; if there is a potential taxi conflict; perhaps the crew could query ground control in a more timely manner; and/or hold position until clarification can be gained; unless the opposing aircraft seems like it will cause a collision.
Second reporter narrative
Heading South on taxiway Y; oncoming northbound aircraft moving rapidly towards us head to head. We were directed to take [taxiway] Y; Y2; W to parking. I was taxiing; inadvertently took Y1 which is right next to Y2. Y1 was clear and appeared to be an obvious route to avoid the approaching conflicting airplane taxiing Northbound. While in the turn; fast talking ground told that aircraft to give way to us; but I had already started my turn onto the wrong taxiway. She then told us to take Y2 as directed; but I was too far into Y1 to get out by then. Taxiway Y1 I later realized was reported closed on ATIS; but that didn't occur to me at the time I was avoiding the traffic. The two taxiways are side by side.Cause: Why is Y1 closed? If it's unsafe; how about a marker or red light or something. It appeared open and clear; easy to confuse with adjacent Y2. Ground control was very busy; rapidly oncoming aircraft with his nose light on suggesting he expected he had the right of way; so a quick turn seemed like the obvious way to avoid conflict; and my turn accomplished that very well. Unfortunately; it was onto Y1 not Y2. Solution: Ground could have added 'Y; Y2; W to the ramp; Y1 closed'; the Y1 sign could have a red tape or X on it; an X on the taxiway have made it clear; or a cone or red lights that wouldn't be an obstacle. I have no idea why it was closed; as it appeared totally fine and easy to mistake as an open taxiway.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.