This invention relates to a heavy duty tire (e.g. heavy duty truck tire) designed for a load bearing capacity of at least 4,000 pounds (1814 kg) with a tread of a cap/base construction with at least one underlying silica-rich, cis 1,4-polyisoprene rubber based intermediate transition rubber layer to promote a reduced internal heat generation for the heavy duty tire and to therefore promote a load carrying heavy duty tire which is more durable for the long haul. Such heavy duty tire tread is intended for use with heavy loads in which internal heat is expected to be generated within the tire, including the tire tread, during use.