Abstract: The problem of roadway support in deep coal mining or hard roof can be solved by special surrounding rock pressure release of stagger layout roadway. In this paper,the surrounding rock characteristic of gob-side roadways with or without coal pillar were analysed. Then the movement of main roof which has large impact on the stability of sur- rounding rock of gob-side roadway was discussed. The mechanical mechanism of pressure releasing and deformation yielding of surrounding rock structure system was studied by mechanical analysis and laboratory experiment. Results shows that the stagger layout enables roadway to be away from the stress concentration zone which transfers the pres- sure and avoids the problem of high ground stress. The gangue pillar structure cushions the dynamic load of falling roof and undertakes the weight of key block. The roof made up by gangue gives enough space for hard roof’ s movement which in another way protects the roadway.