For the problem of high energy consumption caused by enhanced lighting of highway tunnel, a ondemand intelligent control method combining sunlight and LED is proposed through taking the advantage of direct sunlight illumination. According to the gap of lighting demand, determined by the brightness outside of the tunnel in real time and traffic volume, and the brightness feedback in the tunnel, LED lighting is adjusted so as to maximize the utilization of sunlight and realize energysaving effect of intelligent ondemand lighting. According to test result, on the premise of observing specifications and meeting safety requirements, more than 50% energy can be saved.With the research, energysaving technology of tunnel lighting can be promoted and thus to upgrade tunnel quality and achieve green lowcarbon highway traffic.