The history and existing problems of original support of softrock drift in Meihe Mine No 3 shaft are briefly described. On these grounds a new composite support scheme of bolt- mesh -shoicrete with reinforced concrete arc plate are proposed in this paper. The design, experiment and construction technology are introduced in detail. The experiment and monitoring have shown that the choice of support parameters in the design is rational and support effect is significant. The displacement of surrounding rock in the drift was slowed down considerably 40 days after the support was completed. This composite support scheme is characterized by soft first and hard afterwards, and reflected fully new international trend of arc plate support. It is a major improvement and great breakthrough in support technology in China.