The Andrews government is increasingly frustrated Mr Abbott is refusing meetings to discuss funding for alternative projects following the decision to cancel the East West Link contract.

The frustration was compounded last week when Mr Abbott appeared with opposition leader Matthew Guy to launch a mobile billboard in Ringwood reading "East West Link scrapped and you're...stuck in traffic! Blame Labor".

In a letter to Mr Abbott, Mr Shorten points out that Mr Andrews made his intention not to proceed with the East West Link clear before last year's state election.

"These policies were endorsed by the Victorian people at the 2014 election," the letter reads. "The Andrews Labor Government is keeping its promises to the people of Victoria and the people of Victoria should not be hurt by a further $1.5 billion funding cut."

It follows a warning from Infrastructure Australia this week of a "slow drift" in infrastructure decision-making because of a political focus on specific projects.

The May 12 federal budget booked a $1.5 billion "saving" from Victoria by factoring in cash previously allocated to fund the East West Link.

Despite the saving, the Abbott government is adamant it remains committed to the project, promising to hand over a total of $3 billion to the first government prepared to deliver it.

On Friday Mr Abbott told an infrastructure conference in Sydney that federal Treasurer Joe Hockey would be working with state Treasurer Tim Pallas on major infrastructure projects, while warning the decision not to build the East West Link "could sentence Victorians to years of gridlock".

"Still, the Commonwealth will keep our $3 billion commitment to the East West Link in a locked box to be made available to the first Victorian government that wants to build it – and we will keep talking to Victoria about nationally significant road projects so that Victorians aren't dudded."

In his letter, Mr Shorten said if the government were to proceed with the $1.5 billion cut it would diminish Victoria's share of Commonwealth infrastructure funding to a level that is not commensurate with its share of population.

"I urge you immediately reverse your $1.5 billion cut, meet with Premier Andrews and discuss a solution that ensures Victorians are not further disadvantaged as result of your 2015-16 budget."

As an alternative project, Mr Andrews last month revealed he is seriously considering an unsolicited bid by Transurban to build a road connecting the West Gate Freeway to the Tullamarine Freeway to relieve pressure on the West Gate Bridge.

The Abbott government has indicated the $1.5 billion be channelled into that project, but only if Victoria chips in a similar amount.

Assistant Infrastructure Minister Jamie Briggs also this week expressed concern about a Transurban proposal to extend the existing tolling period on CityLink by up to 15 years.

Late on Friday, a spokesman for Mr Abbott said it was strange Mr Shorten had changed his mind on East West Link because he once wrote in support to the project's needs assessment overview.

"Mr Shorten also appears to be at odds with his Shadow Treasurer, Chris Bowen, who once said 'Bill Shorten and I are of one mind. Labor honours contracts – Labor in government honours contracts entered into by previous governments. Even if we don't like them, for issues of sovereign risk, Labor honours contracts in office signed by previous governments,'" the spokesman said.