Research and development was conducted on a prototype timber bridge technology developed for rural bridge sites. The work included conception, computer modeling, laboratory load tests of a reduced size specimen, field construction of a pilot bridge and field load testing. This paper describes the laboratory load test phase. Three loadings comprised of four concentrated loads simulating a truck wheel pattern were conducted. Results of preliminary analytical simulation work is also described. The laboratory specimen demonstrated the structural effectiveness of the concept and led to the final design and implementation of the pilot field bridge. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.