An approach is provided that gathers observational traffic data at traffic controller nodes. Each of the traffic controller nodes communicates observational traffic data to other traffic controller nodes via a network. The traffic controller nodes negotiate traffic control parameters. The negotiating process receives timing proposals from the other traffic controller nodes included in the related set. The nodes analyze the proposed timings based on the traffic controller's gathered observational traffic data. The traffic controller node prepares responses in response to the analysis. The traffic controller node sends the negotiation responses to the other traffic controller nodes. The traffic controller node also adjusts its traffic control parameters that control the node's cycle times based on the analysis.