<p>An improved belt construction for a radial or semi-radial tire comprising a reinforcing belt layer including helically formed filaments is disclosed. Between main belt layers is interposed an intermediate reinforcing layer composed of a reinforcing element formed of helically formed filaments each having a tensile breaking strength of at least 140 kg/mm2 and elongation at tensile breaking strength of at least 1.2 times the smallest elongation at tensile breaking strength of the cords of the main belt layers. The intermediate reinforcing layer as a whole is extensible and compressible.</p>