Question for you regarding the first sentence: why would we not be the first in this area to reach this point in technology? The second sentence also raises some questions: if the traffic existed, would we be able to observe it? Would such traffic want to be observed? I would imagine a race that possesed that advanced of a technology would also be able to avoid our relatively simple methods of detection. Then there are the problems of applying human logic and questions to a system that includes non-human entities.
As Sagan repeatedly told us, we are the lowest, most recent, Johnny-come-lately "intelligent" species. The Sun is a 3rd generation star. There has been ample time for the rise of civilizations far more advanced than ours. Imagine our technology in 10,000--or 100,000 years (if we survive). Thus pretty much everyone "else"--if there is anyone--has technology far, far beyond ours.
" The second sentence also raises some questions: if the traffic existed, would we be able to observe it?"
Eventually one would land on the lawn of the White House. We would see (e.g.) Cherenkov radiation or other "signs" of their passage.
"Would such traffic want to be observed?"
A single race or "Galactic Federation" might have reasons for not being observed: the old "we are in a game preserve" argument. But if intelligence is common and widespread, eventually there will be one or a hundred civilizations that give the finger (or tentacle) to the "rules" and makes contact anyway.
--Boris