Under the influence of groundwater, the durability and safety of highway tunnel lining structures are prominent, and the linings are prone to leakage, cracking and falling off during operation. In order to evaluate the safety of the water-pressure resistant lining structure of highway tunnels in water-rich district, check calculation of the lining section strength under the load combination is carried out based on the relevant clauses of the Specifications for Design of Highway Tunnels, and the external water pressure of the lining is classified. On this basis, the classification standard of tunnel external water pressure resistant lining structure is proposed based on the load structure method with the external water pressure under the conditions of different section sizes, surrounding rock grades and burial depths. Based on the classification of external water pressure and water pressure resistant lining structure, the design method of water pressure resistant lining structure and the safety evaluation method of lining structure are proposed to provide reference for related projects.