A method for relieving network node congestion includes determining a moving average of an aggregated load on a network node that routes network traffic using historical data for a period of time for a portion of a communication network that includes the network node. Demand on the network node is projected based on the moving average. A current level of congestion on the network node is determined. A level of congestion on the network node is projected based on the projected demand and the current level of congestion. Available capacity of other network nodes in the portion of the communication network is estimated. A determination is made whether the projected level of congestion can be relieved using the estimated available capacity of the other network nodes. The communication network is reconfigured to relieve the projected level of congestion when the projected level of congestion can be relieved.