Based on the engineering background of multi-arch rib special-shaped bowstring steel arch bridge, the static load test method and process of complex structure bridge are expounded in detail from the aspects of finite element calculation and analysis, control section selection, test content and measurement point arrangement, test loading condition determination and so on. Under the loading of each test condition, the strain, deformation and suspender force of the control section are tested and compared with the theoretical calculation values. The results show that the field measured values are in good agreement with the theoretical calculated values, and are all less than the theoretical calculated values. The structure of special-shaped bowstring steel arch bridge has the sufficient strength and stiffness safety reserves to meet the design requirements and can be used as the basis for the evaluation of bridge bearing capacity.