Narrative:

Before our passengers arrived I briefed our taxi route from the ramp to runway 32. As we taxied out we followed the direction signs to runway 32. As we followed the taxiway centerline around the air carrier ramp we noticed a 'restricted' sign way off to the left; approximately 20-30 yards prior to exiting the ramp. The ramp was not lit at all; leading us to believe there were access roads to the left off of the ramp prohibiting aircraft from entering. There were no paint markings or other signs on the immediate route to show that the taxiway ended and the service road began. Also; ahead and to the right down the 'old' taxiway was a sign showing the direction to taxiway C1 that leads onto runway 32. This is misleading; especially at night when the cues all point to a proper taxiway. Nobody was in danger nor was safety comprised. It is just misleading and further briefing could have caught this but with the lighting and signs in the area; it is very misleading. After we landed I called a ramp worker back at the FBO concerning the situation. He said [the confusion] happens all the time. I can really see this situation happening frequently; especially when the tower is closed. I believe the problem could be prevented with additional markings and signage closer to the actual taxiway; also barricades or barriers could be used to prohibit aircraft in this area; since it was once a taxiway.in the daylight the route is probably very obvious; but at night the illusions become very confusing.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: A King Air flight crew; departing the terminal ramp for Runway 32 at EAU; was confused by taxiway signs to assist him in doing so safely. The confusion was increased by a 'restricted' sign at the end of the ramp from which it was reasonable to expect a taxiway to the runway.

Narrative: Before our passengers arrived I briefed our taxi route from the ramp to Runway 32. As we taxied out we followed the direction signs to Runway 32. As we followed the taxiway centerline around the air carrier ramp we noticed a 'restricted' sign way off to the left; approximately 20-30 yards prior to exiting the ramp. The ramp was not lit at all; leading us to believe there were access roads to the left off of the ramp prohibiting aircraft from entering. There were no paint markings or other signs on the immediate route to show that the taxiway ended and the service road began. Also; ahead and to the right down the 'old' taxiway was a sign showing the direction to Taxiway C1 that leads onto Runway 32. This is misleading; especially at night when the cues all point to a proper taxiway. Nobody was in danger nor was safety comprised. It is just misleading and further briefing could have caught this but with the lighting and signs in the area; it is very misleading. After we landed I called a ramp worker back at the FBO concerning the situation. He said [the confusion] happens all the time. I can really see this situation happening frequently; especially when the Tower is closed. I believe the problem could be prevented with additional markings and signage closer to the actual taxiway; also barricades or barriers could be used to prohibit aircraft in this area; since it was once a taxiway.In the daylight the route is probably very obvious; but at night the illusions become very confusing.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of July 2013 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.