The end of the 50s. The former head of the department Bulygin is sent from Moscow to Siberia to build a bridge across the Severnaya River. With him goes his family: his wife, son, daughter and his daughter's fiancé. Once an experienced builder, and now just an overbearing official, Bulygin cannot find common ground with the workers, and people begin to leave the construction site. However, after many experiences and mental trials Bulygin regains the features of a skillful leader.