Abstract: A tire is provided including a subtread, a plurality of tread elements extending a height "H", and a circumferential groove in the tread having a depth greater than tread element height "H" and extending into the subtread of the tire. Most preferably the groove is bounded by continuous circumferential ribs which close the groove to prevent drainage of fluid to the tread edge and reduce the amount of noise generated by the tread. The ribs also radially reinforce the tread in the region of the groove and aid in providing the tread with a uniform road engaging surface for maximum wear life. Preferably, the tire includes a belt package for reinforcing substantially the entire width of the tread.