Deformation characteristics of surrounding rock of tunnel in layered rock mass with steep dip angle and tunnel in homogenous rock mass is different. Based on Yajiang tunnel in funan highway in Chongqing, this paper makes a thorough analysis on deformation characteristics and mechanism of surrounding rock during excavation of tunnel in layered rock mass with steep dip angle by finite element calculation and model test. Research results show that: For layered rock mass with steep dip angle, bedding plane is the main structural plane, the tunnel excavation will cause the rock stratum in a certain range to become a free face, which will slip to the cavern to cause larger ground surface settlement. As the dip angle of rock stratum increases, the ground surface settlement will also in- crease. Deformation of surrounding rock of tunnel in layered rock mass with steep dip angle is asymmetric, and the Maximum deformation generally occurs in the bedding position, which is different from tunnel in homogenous rock mass. The conclusions can provide reference for future construction design of tunnel in layered rock mass with steep dip angle.