Abstract: To solve the problem of difficult support of soft coal rock composite roof roadway, the deformation and failure law of 16402 air return way was studied by field investigation, laboratory test, theoretical analysis and numerical simulation. It shows that the uncoordinated deformation of the weak coal-rock composite roof roadway, the serious wall caving and the damage of the supporting structure are caused by high-stress surrounding rock rheology, poor geological conditions, water influence and unreasonable surrounding rock structure. Based on this, an optimal design scheme for roadway from improving the surrounding environment of rock stress and controlling the watering is proposed. The results of applied engineering practice show that the deformation and damage of the surrounding rock of the roadway are effectively controlled.