Abstract: A composite bridge structure having a precompressed beam for supporting loads thereon is described. A plurality of spaced apart consoles are secured to the beam, the consoles being urged apart to create a bending moment in the beam having a substantially parabolic distribution between the ends of the beam. The bending moment is in a direction opposite to the direction of the moment created by the loads supported by the beam. As a consequence of the precompression, a longitudinal force and bending moment working on the composite bridge structure improves the load carrying capacity of the structure.