City crews Mankato are getting an opportunity to patch up potholes around town.Mankato Public Works was busy clearing out the cracks and potholes along major city roads today.The process includes clearing out debris with an air compressor, and then packing the patch material into the pothole.For now, the work isn't about repair, instead, it's about reducing damage.Mark Knoff says, "We're looking at hazard mitigation. We're looking to get the holes filled to reduce the bumpiness in the road. The hazard to the vehicles or pedestrians that are walking across the road."Crews continue to use cold mix, a more expensive patch, but one that can be made onsite, rather than waiting for the commercial plants to open up.Mark Knoff says, "Hot mix is prepared by batch plants and these plants are not open until the spring, usually April or May when conditions are conducive to use hot mix asphalt - so it's really not available right now."Knoff said this winter has had a bad melting and freezing cycle that's made potholes pop up more frequently this year.