After a hundred years of mumbling about the need for a rail link in central Auckland, the way is clear for the shovels to come out.

Initial works start in November and digging work on a cut-and-cover tunnel in Albert St starts in May next year.

This comes after Auckland Transport cleared its final hurdle in getting the route for the link officially designated.

All appeals over land designation have either been resolved by agreement or dismissed by the Environment Court.

The designation is still subject to finalisation of conditions by the Court, and there are other procedures to work through.

Auckland Transport boss David Warburton said this is a big step forward for Auckland.