A full-scale load test to failure of a 34-year-old three-span continuous reinforced concrete highway bridge located in southern Alberta is described. The opportunity to load test the structure to failure occurred as a result of the scheduled demolition of the bridge.Load was applied to the structure in two phases. In the first phase, precast concrete sections were placed at the centre of the middle span until a load of approximately 1900 kN was reached. At this load level a mid-span deflection of 28 mm was measured for the interior span. Additional load was applied by jacking the ends of the bridge at the abutment supports. Loading continued until a maximum deflection of 157 mm was reached at mid-span. Significant cracking as well as crushing of the compression flange at mid-span were evident. On removal of load at mid-span, a residual deflection of 118 mm was observed indicating that the bridge had been loaded well into the postyield range without collapsing.Results of the test are presented in the form of plots of load vs. deflection, reactions vs. deflection, mid-span moment vs. deflection, and deflection profiles at various loading stages. In addition the calculated flexural capacity is compared with measured values.Key words: highway bridge, load test, reinforced concrete.