LAS Tower Controller reported Taxiway B5 causes confusion as it is wide enough for two aircraft in opposite directions to pass and is painted with passing lines as though it is two separate taxiways; but is labeled as a single taxiway.

Date: 2025-02 · Aircraft: Commercial Fixed Wing · Phase: taxi

Anomalies: atc-issue-all-types|deviation-discrepancy-procedural-published-material-policy|ground-event-encounter-other-unknown

Synopsis

LAS Tower Controller reported Taxiway B5 causes confusion as it is wide enough for two aircraft in opposite directions to pass and is painted with passing lines as though it is two separate taxiways; but is labeled as a single taxiway.

Narrative

This has nothing to do with any single incident and therefore there is no need to look up the dates and times of anything. It's simply based on my general observations. This also highlights the problems and limitations with this program. Add to that; that this is the third time I'm attempting to submit this after being auto logged out whilst in the middle of typing; perhaps my next report should be about the problems with the report program.Aircraft that exit Runway 26R at Taxiway A5 are often instructed to enter the Ramp straight in via B5. Outbound aircraft are often simultaneously instructed to exit the Ramp via B5 turning right on B. B5 is sufficiently wide enough for both aircraft to pass and is in fact both painted and lighted at night with passing lines as though it is two separate taxiways; although being labeled as a single taxiway. While it is generally obvious to the pilots to stay to the right and let the other aircraft pass on their left; there is occasionally confusion. And understandably so. How is a single taxiway painted as though it is two? How am I telling two aircraft to use the same taxiway in opposite directions at the same time? If we want to use B5 as two taxiways; it should be mapped as such; B5 and B4; then renaming B4 to B3. Or; if it is to be kept a single taxiway; B5; then the paint and the lights should reflect that it is a single taxiway. Keeping it the way it is; only leads to confusion.

Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.