At present, the intelligent control technology of highway tunnel lighting mainly includes two types, graded dimming and stepless dimming, both of which have certain energy-saving effects. Tunnel lighting energy saving and consumption reduction, traffic safety, and the security degree are important indicators used to measure the efficient operation of a tunnel. By adding variable correlated color temperature (CCT) control based on stepless dimming, the adjustment of a lamp’s CCT according to changes in the external tunnel environment can be achieved. This not only serves the dual purpose of secondary energy saving and providing comfortable lighting, but also plays a significant role in reducing the reaction time and ensuring tunnel traffic safety. This paper mainly discusses the research achievements and applications of the main intelligent control technologies for highway tunnel lighting. Combining on-site investigations, operating and energy-saving effects achieved are evaluated, and the future development direction of intelligent control technology for highway tunnel lighting is summarized. Furthermore, this paper proposes an optimization model of a stepless dimming control system and intelligent control technology in the tunnel’s variable CCT based on stepless dimming. The results of this review can provide useful technical support for the design, operation and management of intelligent lighting control in highway tunnels.