Similar bridges have been set up at sites around the country

The �150 bridge has been put up over the B6334 accident hot-spot to protect the endangered species on the National Trust-owned estate of Cragside.

The 30ft bridge was paid for by the Northumberland Wildlife Trust's members in Coquetdale.

A number of similar bridges erected around the country have proved a success protecting the squirrels.

Northumberland Wildlife Trust conservation officer, Louise Bessant, said: "As squirrels have no road sense they just dart out across the road when looking for food or a mate.

"The bridge seemed the perfect solution and we knew similar bridges had worked well in other parts of the country."