Johnson City Chick-fil-A Traffic Outlook

As the anticipation builds ahead of the opening of the Binghamton area's first Chick-fil-A restaurant, there are questions about the potential for traffic problems that may be caused by the business.

News 34 has reported that a lease has been signed for the chain's inaugural Broome County location at the Oakdale Commons in Johnson City.

As expected, the Key Bank office at the southeast corner of the mall complex will be torn down to make way for the Chick-fil-A operation. The restaurant is expected to open in the first half of 2026.

The Key Bank branch at the Oakdale Commons on June 17, 2025. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

The Chick-fil-A building will be constructed east of the existing Panera Bread and Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants.

Traffic trouble often develops when a new Chick-fil-A location opens and potential safety issues sometimes prevent the use of some potential sites.

One prospective Vestal location that was under serious consideration was scrapped because of feared traffic and safety issues.

Entrances to the Oakdale Commons and Wegmans on Harry L. Drive were reconfigured last year. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Johnson City officials believe the Oakdale Commons Chick-fil-A won't result in any traffic nightmares.

Mayor Martin Meaney noted one entrance on the south end of the former Oakdale Mall has been eliminated and the single entrance from Harry L. Drive has been redesigned.

Drive-thru lanes at a newly-designed Chick-fil-A restaurant in Georgia. (Photo: Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images)

Police chief Brent Dodge has previously had discussions with village public works and state Department of Transportation representatives about potential traffic problems that might be generated by a Chick-fil-A operation.

Dodge told WNBF News he hasn't been involved in any further conversations about the issue. In an email, he wrote that he is "not too concerned" because plans have been developed to deal with the traffic volume.

Dodge said he's been advised that an appropriate queuing system will be in place to route drive-thru traffic at the restaurant. Traffic signal timing also will be adjusted to help ensure adequate traffic flow.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: The planned Chick-fil-A location in Johnson City as it appeared on June 17, 2025.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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